The Hunchback of Notre Dame
What makes a monster, and what makes a man?
From the Academy Award-winning team of Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, comes a lushly scored retelling of Victor Hugo’s epic story of love, acceptance and what it means to be a hero.
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Book by Peter Parnell
Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney film.
Originally developed by Disney Theatrical Productions.
Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, The Hunchback of Notre Dame showcases the film’s Academy Award-nominated score, as well as new songs by Menken and Schwartz. Peter Parnell’s new book embraces story theatre and features verbatim passages from Hugo’s gothic novel.
The musical begins as the bells of Notre Dame sound through the famed cathedral in fifteenth-century Paris. Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer who longs to be "Out There," observes all of Paris reveling in the Feast of Fools. Held captive by his devious caretaker, the archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo, he escapes for the day and joins the boisterous crowd, only to be treated cruelly by all but the beautiful Romani woman, Esmeralda. Quasimodo isn’t the only one captivated by her free spirit, though – the handsome Captain Phoebus and Frollo are equally enthralled. As the three vie for her attention, Frollo embarks on a mission to destroy the Roma – and it’s up to Quasimodo to save them all.
A sweeping score and powerful story make The Hunchback of Notre Dame an instant classic. Audiences will be swept away by the magic of this truly unforgettable musical.
The full plot synopsis found below is provided to enhance the theater experience for all audience members and may be especially helpful for those with hearing loss or anyone who would appreciate additional story context when assessing personal comfort levels with plot points in the show. “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” has been given a rating of “PG” by its license holder, Music Theatre International. The show contains depictions of discrimination, violence, coercive behavior, and mature themes around death. Please use the plot synopsis to help you make appropriate content viewing decisions for you and your family.