A New Musical based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney Film
Review By Odalys Nanin
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 11/17/24 – ANARK – FATE was the single Greek word carved on the wall of the Cathedral that inspired Victor Hugo to write his French romantic novel. It was published in 1831 but set in the Medieval Paris of 1482. A novel of fiction whose purpose was to save Notre Dame Cathedral back then in ruins and restore it to its prior glory. The novel deals with love, fate, injustice and societies cruelty. It highlights the need of acceptance of all individuals regardless of appearance or background. The message it sends still resonates today in all of us!
The Cathedral itself is the main character where the love story unfolds. The leads are Quasimodo (half born) a 16-year-old hunchback, played brilliantly by CJ Cruz, who’s powerful voice is a conduit of pain, courage and love. Quasimodo lives in Sanctuary, high above inside the bell towers surrounded by stone Gargoyles. But in his fantasy world they talk to him giving voice to his inner thoughts.
He was abandoned as a baby and raised by the Archdeacon Claude Frollo played by Jack Bernaz, a seasoned actor who exudes vocally and physically the authority of the church’s strict rules upon the masses. Quasimodo is kept hidden by Frollo who warns him, “Out there the world is cruel and ugly. Out there they will see you as a Monster. I’m the only one that you can trust. “
It’s interesting that this play starts on January 6, the day of the Epiphany where the three Kings bring presents to baby Jesus born in a barn. Quasimodo looks down from his high bell Tower onto the plaza where people gather to celebrate Feast of Fools. It’s the only day where the Gypsies are allowed to dance and feast. He is mesmerized by Esmeralda a beautiful 16yo colored gypsy girl, who dances wildly with all the fearless freedom that he lacks. Esmeralda is played by Bimei Flores who’s beautiful voice captures the heart of not only Quasimodo but of the Archdeacon himself. Esmeralda is the central character who sparks the dramatic conflict in the story. Frollo driven by lust pursuits her by offering her his protection in sanctuary. Esmeralda who is a street wise gypsy realizes that his offer of protection is just a scheme to imprison her as his mistress. She rejects his offer causing Frollo to accuse her of tempting him to sin that she’s a gypsy witch. She escapes him but not for long. The Archdeacon goes to the King asking him to give him authority to punish the witch, Esmeralda. He then orders Captain Phoebus played by Drew Maidment with charm and valor, to bring her to him as a prisoner. However, once Phoebus sees Esmeralda, he immediately also wants to possess her. They fall in love and once Frollo learns of this he stabs Phoebus. Esmeralda takes Phoebus to a hiding place, but they are both discovered. Frollo orders her to be burned at the stake in order to pay for all her sins and cleanse her of all evil. Poor Quasimodo who is kept in chains by Frollo manages to escape and saves Esmeralda from the burning flames. He carries her to the high bell towers to keep her safe. But she dies soon after and this is the most powerful moment of the play. Quasimodo realizes that she is the only one he has ever loved. It is this love passion for Esmeralda that sets Quasimodo finally free from his own invisible chains. Archdeacon appears and condemns him for his disobedience stating Esmeralda deserved to die.
Quasimodo’s pent-up anger and pain pours out of him with such force pushing Frollo off the tower and onto his death. Rigo Tejeda talent as a director shine in this stunning presentation. He’s direction is powerfully magical! His special effect or his Trompe l’oeil (deceives the eye) creating the illusion of the Archdeacon falling off the bell towers is simply ingenious. His direction of the crowd scenes is spectacular. This is enhanced by Alejandro Parra’s creative lighting and the simple but effective set design by Marco de Leon. Overall, the cast ensemble creates the medieval festive flare of the period. Some stand out ensemble performances are by Gabriella Ortiz, Christopher J Thume, the Gargoyles, Jude Monge, Sol Joun. The choreography by Tania Possick and the costumes by Alejandro Lechuga were effective. The only cliche was the lack of mic for some of the singers.
Otherwise, a wonderful theatrical experience that I highly recommend.
Directed by Rigo Tejeda
Produced by Emmanuel Deleage
Choreography by Tania Possick
Musical director Gabrielle Maldonado
Here is a video clip of some highlights from the show: https://youtu.be/jYRW_bd1leQ
