Timpanogos Community Theater's The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Last night I went to see Timpanogos Community Theater's production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and, of the three versions of this show I've seen this year, this one is the best! I absolutely loved it! Quasimodo (Adam Moore), a hunchback who has spent his entire life hidden in the bell tower of Notre Dame cathedral, yearns to be a part of the outside world. He summons the courage to attend the Feast of Fools and meets the gypsy Esmeralda (Teresa Jack) when she saves him from an angry mob. However, Quasimodo's master, the archdeacon Claude Frollo (Stanley Johnson), and the new captain of the cathedral guard, Phoebus de Martin (Casey Copier), also meet her and fall in love with her. When Esmeralda rejects Frollo, he orders Phoebus to arrest her but he refuses and they both become fugitives who are aided by Quasimodo until the final confrontation in the bell tower. I was very impressed by the incredibly talented cast, especially the four leads! Moore (he was amazing as Frederic in a previous production of The Pirates of Penzance) imbues Quasimodo with naivete and strength and I loved both his physicality as he moves up, down, and around the bell tower and his powerful vocals in the songs "Out There," "Heaven's Light," and "Made of Stone." Johnson does an excellent job portraying Frollo's torment and his rendition of "Hellfire" is incredibly stirring. My favorite song in the show is "God Help the Outcasts" and Jack's performance of it gave me goosebumps.  I also really enjoyed her dancing in "Rhythm of the Tambourine" and her interactions with Moore in "Top of the World" and with Copier in an incredibly emotional version of "Someday." Copier's characterization of Phoebus is a lot more playful than I have seen before but he still shows a bit of vulnerability in "Rest and Recreation." The ensemble in this show is also outstanding because not only do they effectively narrate events in "The Bells of Notre Dame" and all of its reprises as monks, gypsies, and townspeople but they also move set pieces seamlessly around the stage (I particularly loved the transitions between the interior of the cathedral and the bell tower). The gargoyles (Lily Shepherd, Ben Dunford-Cable, Kristyan Williams, and Scott Mason) who help and inspire Quasimodo are a lot of fun when they come to life and they have great costumes. The choreography in "Topsy Turvy," "Rhythm of the Tambourine," and "Tavern Song" is energetic and engaging and I loved the addition of acrobatic elements (there were a few ooohs and aaahs from the audience). The elaborate multi-level set is spectacular and includes large moving pieces that transform the stage into the interior of the cathedral, the bell tower, the town square, and the Court of Miracles. There is also a beautiful rose window, enhanced by some incredible lighting effects, that dominates the stage as well as some dramatic bells suspended from the rafters. The staging of the confrontation is very clever but I was moved to tears during the final sequence because the members of the ensemble are dressed in white and surround Quasimodo and Esmeralda like angels welcoming them to Heaven (it is so powerful). This production is better than some professional ones I have seen and, in my opinion, it should not be missed! There are four more chances to see it on Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday at the Valentine Theater (go here for tickets).