George Fox theater troupe will present a musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’

George Fox University’s theater troupe is preparing to stage a musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s celebrated novel, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” Rehearsals are underway for performances scheduled throughout March, bringing a classic story to the university stage.

A Timeless Tale Reimagined

The production is based on Hugo’s 1830s novel, originally written to highlight the deteriorating condition of the Notre Dame cathedral. This adaptation features a musical score by Stephen Schwartz, the composer and lyricist behind Broadway hits like “Wicked,” “Godspell,” and “Pippin,” as well as scores for Disney’s “Pocahontas” and Dreamworks’ “The Prince of Egypt.”

Did You Know? Victor Hugo wrote “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” to draw attention to the neglected state of the Notre Dame cathedral.

Themes of Redemption and Belonging

Director Ben Tissell describes “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” as a story of “redemption, hope and the healing power of love.” The play centers on Quasimodo, who longs for connection with the world outside the cathedral’s bell tower where he is confined.

Tissell explained that Quasimodo’s journey involves “defying the man who raised him and find[ing] the courage to be loved exactly as he is.” He further characterized the production as “part adventure story, part love story and part depiction of the transforming power of kindness,” focusing on the theme of outcasts finding acceptance.

Expert Insight: Adapting a well-known novel, particularly one with the cultural weight of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” presents a unique challenge. The success of this production will likely hinge on balancing fidelity to Hugo’s original themes with the demands of a musical format and the expectations of an audience familiar with both the novel and the Disney adaptation.

Performance Details and Ticketing

The production will run for approximately two hours and 15 minutes and is deemed appropriate for middle school students and older. Performances are scheduled for March 4-7 and March 11-14 at 7:30 p.m., with matinee showings on March 8 and 15 at 2 p.m. Tickets are priced at $20 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $12 for youths under 18, and are available for purchase at boxoffice.georgefox.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the source material for this musical?

The musical is based on the novel “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” by Victor Hugo.

Who composed the music for this adaptation?

The score was created by Stephen Schwartz, known for his work on “Wicked,” “Godspell,” “Pippin,” “Pocahontas,” and “The Prince of Egypt.”

When and where will the performances take place?

Performances are scheduled at George Fox University from March 4-7 and March 11-14 at 7:30 p.m., with matinees on March 8 and 15 at 2 p.m.

What aspects of the story might resonate most with audiences attending this production?