The Hunchback of Notre Dame at CPT

The first time I saw The Hunchback of Notre Dame, I fell in love with both the story about a group of outcasts who take refuge in Notre Dame Cathedral and the beautiful music!  I was very impressed with HCT's production so I was really looking forward to CPT's version. I got to see it last night and, once again, I loved everything about it! Quasimodo (Christian Lackman) has been hidden by his master Frollo (Daniel Frederickson) in the bell tower of Notre Dame Cathedral all of his life because of his deformity. He wonders what it would be like to leave the cathedral and decides that he will be safe on the streets of Paris during the Feast of Fools. He is eventually crowned the King of the Fools but when the crowd turns on him the gypsy Esmeralda (Becca Burdick) rescues him. She also catches the eye of the captain of the cathedral guard Phoebus de Martin (Spencer McCoy) who falls in love with her and she bewitches Frollo who becomes obsessed with possessing her. When Esmeralda rejects Frollo, he orders Phoebus to arrest her.  When Phoebus refuses they both become fugitives who are aided by Quasimodo until the final confrontation in the bell tower. The four main leads are outstanding! My favorite song in the show is "God Help the Outcasts" and Burdick sings it so beautifully; Frederickson's version of "Hellfire" is incredibly dramatic and powerful (it is also staged brilliantly);  Lackman's rendition of "Heaven's Light" brought tears to my eyes; and McCoy is so romantic when he sings "Someday" with Burdick.  The talented ensemble also does an excellent job narrating the story in "The Bells of Notre Dame" and its multiple reprises.  One of my favorite aspects of this show is the use of gargoyles (Jacob Grossenbach, Loren Atwater, Kylee Turner, and Azia Moeai) as characters who help and inspire Quasimodo, especially in "Made of Stone."  The choreography is very energetic and engaging, particularly when the gypsies dance in "Rhythm of the Tambourine" and "Topsy Turvy."  The set is spectacular with large moving pieces that instantly transform the stage into the bell tower of the cathedral, the town square in front of the cathedral, and the Court of Miracles.  I especially loved the rose window of the cathedral and the the giant bells above the stage that would "ring" when needed.  Everything about this production is fabulous;  in fact, it is one of the best productions I've seen at CPT.  I highly recommend seeing this beautiful story come to life for yourself (go here for tickets).