If you have followed my content for a long time you know I have a mixed experience with Disney’s animated classic The Hunchback of Notre Dame. My first exposure to it was when I was babysitting the nephews of my friend and put it on and was shocked at what I saw. However, as an adult I have come to appreciate it more for the bold swing it was especially for a company like Disney and for the adult storytelling it attempts to tell. Now with the musical adaptation of the animated film Disney theatricals has refined the film and actually made an improved version of the story. It’s subtler, abandons most of the off-putting comic relief, and provides more character motivations particularly for the villain Frollo than the animated film. I have seen the musical many times but I don’t know that I’ve ever seen it better than at West Valley Arts Center this week. It is truly an astonishing production and something all involved should be very proud of.

I was especially thrilled to see such a great show at WVA because their last few shows haven’t been my favorite. I was particularly happy to see director Kate Rufener use the theater-in-the-round space to its full advantage, really immersing us in the world of the story. The sets by Adam Flitton are astonishing with some of the most impressive bells and stained glass I’ve ever seen. There’s also an incredible attention to detail with the costumes by Alicia Kondrick even getting side characters like Snt Aphrodisius with the correct robes and head coverings. I was amazed how many ensemble members they fit on the stage all executing the dancing choreographed by Marilyn Montgomery. One would have to work to not be drawn in by the world created around them.

They also make the very interesting choice of having the virgin Mary (Sophia Morrill Mancilla) as an actor holding a baby that all the actors especially Frollo confront and interact with. I have never seen that approach taken and it is very compelling and adds to the immersion.

The cast is across the board as good as anything I’ve seen at any professional theater in Utah or abroad. It almost seems immoral such incredible performances aren’t being rewarded with professional contracts and salaries. They are all that good. Chase Petersen as Claude Frollo is the standout. His deep baritone voice and commanding presence is perfect for the role. His Frollo is unyieldingly selfish but has just enough humanity set up at the outset with his relationship with his brother to be extra realistic and terrifying. His “Hellfire” is an unforgettable villain moment.

Taylor J. Smith manages to avoid any sense of disability tokenism that might be present in his Quasimodo, and I was on the journey with his character. Him singing “Out There” is one of the highlights of the night. Beatriz Melo has a beautiful voice as Esmeralda and her character is the emotional glue that holds the ensemble and cast together. It’s just a remarkable cast i would put it up against any Hunchback cast ever assembled. Period end of story.

With Hunchback originating from a novel in 1831 there are some outdated language particularly when it comes to the Romani people depicted. Also the ending and some other elements from the animated film are changed (mostly for the better but it is not the most kid-friendly offering the Disney association might imply.) I saw plays with deep themes when I was a child. Parents just need to be aware and help their kids process a show like Huncback.

No matter the age, child or adult, I can’t recommend West Valley Art’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame more heartily. It is a wonderful, moving, human experience with beautiful songs, dance, and performances. I was thrilled to see my night mostly sold out (which doesn’t often happen at WVA) so get your tickets now. It is playing through August 30th and tickets can be purchased here.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame has music by Alan Menken and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz with a book by James Lapin and Peter Parnell based on the 1996 animated film and the novel of the same name by Victor Hugo.

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