Garden Theatre presents The Hunchback of Notre Dame
This show has never been at the top of my “Must See”list. I took a chance on due to the reputation the Garden Theatre has for high quality productions and Broadway caliber performers. I went into this show with low expectations but when player Esteban Vilchez came in with a single line in the opening song The Bells of Notre Dame, I knew I would as in for a treat.
Ensemble performer Michael Cleary had a beautiful baritone that kept me wanting to hear more from him. He showed incredible diversity transitioning from the father of Quasimodo to one of the Gypsies.
Adia J. Seckel was kind and lovely in her demeanor as Esmeralda. I would like more of an arc for this character in general but Adia more than made up for it during her lead vocal in God Help the Outcast.
Our Quasimodo, Matt Rothenberg has a voice like a Disney Prince. I had a serious melt down during his opening number Out There. I’m pretty sure if I had sobbed any more, the ushers would have had to escort me out. While the mask may have hid his youthful face, there was no hiding the expressions in his denim colored eyes. Matt’s physicality was also impressive. Quasimodo’s deformed figure was ever more prominent with this actor’s ability to carry himself in a crouched position leading with his left shoulder throughout the entire musical. Guys, you’re gonna fall in love with this kid.
I had an incredible time at this show and want to send a HUGE thank you to the cast, crew and staff at the Garden Theatre. If I have one complaint about the experience I have to say that I probably won’t visit the stage door again. With larger productions, stage door is an opportunity for fans to converse with the cast but Garden Theatre stage door definitely felt awkward, as if I were intruding on something I was not a part of. If this was the only complaint I have, well I guess your boy should say “Bravo!” Thanks guys!
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