The musical stage version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a very interesting experiment in adaptation. It’s based on a German musical based on an animated movie which itself was loosely based a French novel. The stage musical itself also tired to combine all these sources into one production resulting in a mixed bag, though many people love it.
Another aspect of the this musical is because it went to regionals there are a lot of iterations, some are amateurs productions and some are more professional.
One professionally produced production that is currently getting a lot of attention is the West End concert version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame at The Prince Edward Theatre in London. The production staged by Jack Maple.
The reason for this controversy is over the casting of Quasimodo. The role is being portrayed by two performers, Ben Joyce and Oliver Hewing. Joyce sings the role and Hewing interprets the role through BSL and dance. Hewing is meant represent Quasimodo’s inner life This casting is similar to the 5th Avenue Theatre Production as Quasimodo was played by Joshua Castillo, a deaf actor and the singing of the was performed by E.J. Cardona who was dressed like a gargoyle.
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