Here comes the Hunchback! Bailiwick Theatre

Dennis DeYoung's eagerly anticipated new musical adaptation of Victor Hugo's classic The Hunchback of Notre Dame begins performances on May 8 in the Bailiwick Repertory Mainstage at 1229 West Belmont. Featuring a cast of twenty and a six-piece band, Hunchback will be a thrilling environmental experience in Bailiwick's intimate setting.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame previews Thursday, Friday, and Saturday May 8th, 9th, 10th, 15th, 16th, and 17th at 7:30 PM, and Sunday May 11th and 18th at 3:30 PM. Preview tickets are $20.00 on Thursdays, $25.00 on Fridays and Sundays, and $30.00 on Saturdays. Opening night is Monday May 19th at 7:00 PM. Regular performances are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, and Sundays at 3:30 PM through July 6th. Tickets are $25.00 on Thursdays, $35.00 on Fridays and Sundays, and $45.00 on Saturdays. NOTE: There will be no performances on July 3rd and 4th

This production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame (with book, music, and lyrics by Dennis DeYoung) is being presented in a way that had never been seen before! This unrequited love felt by Esmerelda the gypsy, Frollo the priest, and the deformed bell-ringer Quasimodo, is a perfect match for the theatrical sensibility of its composer, rock legend Dennis DeYoung, whose songs like "Lady," "Come Sail Away," and "Mr. Roboto" are treasured as classics in the American rock music canon. The soaring ballads and driving musicality of DeYoung's score are a perfect match for this story set against the spires of the world's most beloved cathedral.  Bailiwick Artistic Director David Zak directs the epic tale.

Leading the cast as the deformed bell-ringer Quasimodo is George Andrew Wolff, recently seen understudying the roles of Leaf Coneybear, Vice Principal Panch and William Barfee in the Chicago production of William Finn's The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Playing Esmerelda, the entrancing Gypsy dancer, is Dana Tretta, who is making her Bailiwick debut fresh off her stunning turn as Sally Bowles in the Jeff Recommended production of Cabaret at Theo Uibique. Jeremy Rill playing the evil priest Frollo completes the classic love triangle. Mr. Rill was last seen on the Bailiwick stage in a star-making turn as Satan/Warm-Up Man in Jerry Springer: The Opera in summer of 2007.

Jim Rank, recently seen in Next's American Songbook, portrays the dashing Phoebus, the brave soldier who also woos Esmerelda. Liz Pazik, who played Mrs. Fezziwig on the National Tour of Scrooge starring Richard Chamberlain, will play the role of Mahiette. The principal casting is rounded out by Bailiwick favorites Michael Harnichar as Sergeant Gudule and Joe Tokarz as Clopin.

The ensemble features Kathleen Gibson, Bernadette Garza, Nancy Kolton, Shannon Strodel, Joanna Lind, Emily Thompson, Jeff Ward, Cameron Johnson, Steven Lyons, Robert Deason, Ben Mason, Jimmy James and Ryan Guhde. Anna Schutz and Cameron Bruhde understudy.

Designs are by Elizabeth Wislar (costumes), Jared B. Moore (lights), Ian Zywica (set) and musical direction is by Keith Dworkin.

An unprecedented five of our productions from this season have been Jeff Recommended, including the musicals Jerry Springer: The Opera, Zanna, Don't!, bare, and A Man of No Importance, and the comedy from the Second Sex Series Sunday on the Rocks.

For tickets and reservations call 773-883-1090. Bailiwick also offers flexible subscription packages including Bronze (8 admissions for $165), Silver (12 admissions for $230) or Gold (16 admissions for $275) that can be used in any combination for any show in the building any day of the week. Tickets and subscriptions may also be purchased at www.bailiwick.org.

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