The acting is the Wishbone version is decent. I don’t think any of the roles were that much of challenge since the materials is very much at its core basics, so you don’t get the rich complexity of Quasimodo, Frollo or even Esmeralda in this version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Frollo (Sean Hennigan), The Hunchdog of Notre Dame
That said, there are moments where the actors showcase the characters very well. Sean Hennigan, who played Frollo, does a great job communicating Frollo’s obsession in both a menacing way and in a more coxing way. He goes back and forth between facets with great ease.
Esmeralda (Lanell Pena), The Hunchdog of Notre Dame
Lanell Pena, who played Esmeralda, also does a good job of showing how she starts as put-off by Quasimodo and gradually comes to see him for the soul he is (I hesitate to say person because Quasimodo is a puppy). I also like how she tells off Frollo.
Wishbone as Quasimodo, The Hunchdog of Notre Dame
Then we have Wishbone as Quasimodo. Wishbone is played by a few entities. First, the dogs. Wishbone was mainly played by a veteran dog actor “Soccer” though I believe they used a few other dogs for a shots. Wishbone’s voice was played Larry Brantley. Brantley has great comic timing and his quips make the literary tales fun. Animal acting it hard to say if it “good” or not because the looks and movements are all tricks. All in all though I think the depiction of Quasimodo in this version is a fine one. Plus it’s the cutest depiction of Quasimodo ever. (I’m a dog person, although Quasimodo as a cute would be adorable as well)
Next Time Wishbone Article- Conclusions
Wishbone as Quasimodo, The Hunchdog of Notre Dame
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