Upper Darby Summer Stage presents THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME

The Philadelphia regional premiere of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" has received rave reviews. And it's not too late to experience the production the Philadelphia Inquirer called "nothing short of miraculous."

The final weekend of the limited run is the Mainstage production presented by Upper Darby Summer Stage on August 4 and 5 at 7:30 pm with a matinee on August 5 at 1:30 pm. Performances take place at Upper Darby Performing Arts Center.

" 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' is possibly the most significant theatrical event ever performed at Upper Darby Performing Arts Center," says Harry Dietzler, Artistic Director of the performing arts venue." With a 3-story set, a full orchestra, almost 30 choir members that combine with performers to make almost 90 voices strong on stage, this production continues to raise the bar at Summer Stage."

Tickets for this production are affordable ranging from $13 to $17 enabling anyone to experience a professional, high standard production. Tickets may be purchased at udpac.org or by calling the box office at 610.622.1189.

The Upper Darby Performing Arts Center is located at 601 N. Lansdowne Avenue, minutes from the Main Line and Center City. The performance is approximately 2.5 hours, including intermission. Parking is free. The production is appropriate for children 12 and up.

Based on Victor Hugo's powerful novel and adapted from the Disney film, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" is nothing less than an epic production. It is a dramatic tale of complex relationships, featuring a gorgeous, spine-tingling score created by musical legends Alan Menken ("Aladdin," "The Little Mermaid," "Newsies,""Pocahontas") and Stephen Schwartz.

Set in fifteenth-century Paris, Quasimodo (Patrick Walsh of Aldan), the deformed bell-ringer longs to escape the cathedral walls to experience "One day out there." Holding him back is the devious Claude Frollo (Chris Monaco of Wallingford), Quasimodo's reluctant caretaker. Quasimodo flees the cathedral, encountering the beautiful gypsy, Esmeralda (Sierra Wilson of Upper Darby) on the Feast of Fools. Quasimodo is abused and shunned but Esmeralda comforts him and he feels love for the first time in his life. As Frollo embarks on a mission to destroy the gypsies, Esmeralda becomes entangled in a love triangle and is at the center of this dramatic tale.

This production features a professional staff including talented and acclaimed costume, set, and lighting designers. Jeff Dietzler is the director, with Jenna Rogalski choreographing and music direction by Gina Giachero. The talented choir of Summer Stage alumni is directed by Eric Longo. The set, designed by Martin Dallago, is the largest ever at Upper Darby Performing Arts Center; creating a cathedral including giant bells and a sweeping stained Glass window. Costume design is by Mary Folino.

Composer Alan Menken spoke about the production in an interview. "It's much more than simply a Disney animated musical brought to the stage," said Menken. "It's a pretty serious musical. It represents a huge coming together of talent. It's anything but a musical comedy. It's a musical drama."

Acting as Quasimodo, the deformed bell ringer, is Patrick Walsh of Aldan. He speaks about the complexities of the character and the physical demands of this role. "It's this beautiful irony that the one person who can bring the city together by ringing the bells at the beginning of church cannot even go out and exist among them," said Walsh. "The physicality is difficult but that almost makes it easier to understand his mentality. But this show is so exciting and stunning that once we get going I can't even feel the energy it takes to pull it off, it just happens."

For more information about "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" visit udpac.org or call 610.622.1189.

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