“What makes a monster, and what makes a man?” That is the key question at the heart of the “Hunchback of Notre Dame,” which is currently playing at Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton. That question is as complex as the musical’s villain, Claude Frollo. Director Emily Jonas has created a bold, colorful, and deeply moving production. Everyone involved is excellent. This is truly an ensemble production.
Victor Hugo wrote “Notre Dame de Paris” to bring attention to the cathedral’s deterioration since the French Revolution. It was a success, and the cathedral was repaired. It seems appropriate that this Hunchback is mounted now as France’s restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral is once again complete after the 2019 fire.
If you don’t remember the story, Frollo is an archdeacon at Notre Dame. He has raised Quasimodo, a hunchback, since he was a baby. Quasimodo is tasked with ringing the cathedral bells. His only friends are the bells and gargoyles of Notre Dame.
Frollo also despises the Romani who live around Paris. He wants the French king to pass laws to force them to leave. Then, he spies a Romani woman, Esmerelda, and becomes obsessed with her. Quasimodo also develops a crush on Esmeralda, who shows him kindness. Phoebus, the captain of the cathedral guard, also has feelings for Esmeralda. Frollo’s obsession turns to cruelty and threatens everyone around him.
Matt Liptak, the production’s set designer, created a stage mimicking the cathedral’s rooftop. It is filled with balconies, bells, and stained glass windows. There are no scene changes, so his homage to the Rose Window also transforms into the doors of any city establishment. This allows the cathedral to loom over town squares, dark alleyways, and every space in Paris. It was intentional.
“What makes this story so compelling is its exploration of what it means to see and to be seen. In the shadow of the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral, appearances often belie the truth,” said Jonas in her director’s notes. “It is a poignant reminder that our perceptions are shaped as much by our biases as by the truth. In the face of this, we must have courage to choose kindness over hatred.”…