Theatre Review: The Hunchback of Notre Dame with Davis Musical Theatre Company

By TJ Fassler

Love getting to support friends in theatre and this one was especially enjoyable as we did it as a cast. The Hunchback of Notra Dame has tremendous music and I was so glad that DMTC brought it all to life with tremendous lead performances and great ensemble as well.

Speaking of the ensemble, I thought Yini Qiu was tremendous as she engaged in scenes and reacted in character. She was also a fantastic gargoyle along with many others. I also loved when Andy Hyun and Elizabeth Perez did a wonderful dance with jaw dropping partnering to open the second act. Melanie Kim was another ensemble member that seemed to sparkle anytime she was onstage. KC Cataldo came out strong at the top of the show as Florika with great energy and physicality. In that, she was opposite Django Nachmanoff who wore many hats (and costumes) in this show throughout, always with vibrant energy.

There was a strong trio of men all vying for the attention of Esmeralda. Nathan Lacy was appropriately sinister, but also self-righteous as Frollo. Jared Jared was the charming and purposefully self-aggrandizing Phoebus de Martin. And Erik Catalan played the titular Quasimodo with great physicality, inner conflict, and sounded great throughout. It was completely believable that all three would fall for the very captivating Arrin Graham who played Esmeralda. She sang beautifully, had great scene work with every character in the show, and was able to balance gentleness and brash confidence throughout.

It was a show where it was clear everyone was on board and enjoying themselves. The show runs through July 13 so don’t miss your chance to catch it if interested. Tickets and info can be found at: ​https://dmtc.org/