Unfortunately, I am unable to review Hamilton Operatic Society’s production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame since I was involved in bringing it to the stage. However, here’s ten reasons why you should go see it.
10 – It’s been three years. The Hunchback of Notre Dame is Hamilton Operatic’s first full-length musical production in three years. In those intervening years, everyone involved has continued to hone their craft. The production team, cast, orchestra, creative team, and entire crew have pulled together to create utter magic.
9 – The story. Set in 1482, it features a love quadrangle, if you will. Quasimodo, the hunchbacked bellringer of Notre Dame cathedral alongside the archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo and soldier Captain Phoebus de Martin all fall in love with the beautiful free-spirited gypsy Esmeralda. That’s the crux of the storyline. Woven throughout are the individual’s motivations, vulnerabilities and insecurities. A bit of light relief is brought in the form of the King of the Gypsies, Clopin. Gargoyles, gypsies, soldiers, the congregation and choir become the other characters in the story.
8 – NZSL. Ham Op have joined forces with Wordsworth Sign Language Interpreters to provide accessibility for the deaf and hearing-impaired. This performance is set down for the 2pm matinee on Saturday 10 August. Inclusivity and acceptance are major themes of the work, and the Society wanted to honour that by extending the production to a broader audience.
7 – Tricks. Part of the reason of going to see a production is to leave behind your real life. You will give no consideration to 2024 for several hours while being swept up in some pretty epic theatrical tricks. These occurrences rely on the cast and crew following rehearsed (often fleeting) moments so that the stage manager can bring it all together for the audience. Be prepared to be surprised.
6 – Set. The set was designed by John Harding who worked on Avatar with James Cameron, and with Weta Workshop on the Lord of the Rings trilogy, King Kong, and The Hobbit. John is a multiple award-winning production designer whose keen eye for detail and interest in historical facts means that every production he is involved with encompasses layer upon layer of incredible design. In this case, the static set shifts between the inside of Notre Dame, a bar, a street, and a hideout flawlessly without any of the major set components moving. Harding’s design is super clever and features huge cathedral bells.
5 – Cast. An incredibly talented cast of 35 will have you awestruck. The Waikato has always produced world class performers, and the next generation are on the way up. The principals, ensemble, choir and dancers will leave you reeling from their stagecraft. Sprinkled throughout the ensemble and choir are equally talented alternates and understudies, and you can be assured of spectacular performances across the season.
4 – Orchestration. The musical was written at a time when touring companies had to be mindful of expenses. The orchestration of the score is so damn clever that it sounds like a full symphonic orchestra although there are just 16 players (with multiple instruments) under the baton of Dr Nick Braae. The musical includes songs from the Disney film but also choral numbers in Latin that will have your hair standing on end (including the soprano’s top D). A wonderful extra is that the orchestra gets its own moment in the spotlight that has led to standing ovations since the show opened. These accomplished musos deserve that recognition.
3 – Lighting. Lighting designer Aaron Chesham of ACLX paints with light. This isn’t a “one lighting cue per scene” situation. There are hundreds of lighting cues that add depth, colour, warmth, even fear throughout. One moment you’re looking at a lively and colourful street scene, another you’re in a dingy hideout, or another in a cathedral with stained glass window light splashing across a choir. Chesham has drawn from his decades of experience and brought all that talent and skill to Hunchback, and the result is exquisite.
2 – David Sidwell. Mr Sidwell must have the best little black book in the business. He put out the call and the people answered. On and off stage, Sidwell has a team that works incredibly hard to bring his extraordinary visions to life. His direction is such that you could go to every performance for the remainder of the season and watch a different member of the company and still have a thoroughly entertaining experience. He has given his actors room to play, his creatives room to create, and empowered every person to excel in their roles, on and off stage.
1 – Hamilton Operatic Society. This is the society at their very, very best. Remember those blockbusters at the Founders – Cats, Oliver, The Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia, and more? Hunchback is on a par with those productions filled with breath-taking moments; soaring vocals; hilarious antics; stunning costumes, hair, wigs and makeup; genuine looking props; and all those other aspects mentioned above that accumulate in performances that will be talked about for years.
0 – New Zealand Premiere. The Society can’t say it, but you should know that this is the inaugural, first, initial outing of Hunchback in New Zealand.
Photos: Mark Hamilton
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