Hunchback
of Notre Dame
LIVE STAGE
SHOW
A 30-minute
fantastic live, musical version of the smash hit movie...and follows the
adventures of Quasimodo. Jugglers and other entertainers provide an
endless stream of jokes and amusement...
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 Watch
a fantastic live, musical version of the smash hit movie,
The Hunchback
of Notre Dame. The entertainment begins before the show even starts,
as jugglers and other entertainers provide an endless stream of jokes
and amusement. The 30-minute show follows the adventures of Quasimodo,
a hunchback bell-ringer who finds freedom through the help of a gypsy
named Esmerelda and all of their friends.
Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame - A Musical Adventure, Backlot, Disney-MGM
Studios Date Heard:
June 21, 1996 - present
All songs written by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz
DISNEY'S HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME - A MUSICAL ADVENTURE
Bells of Notre Dame
Out There
Topsy Turvy
God Help the Outcasts
Heaven's Light
A Guy Like You
Heaven's Light (Reprise)
Bells of Notre Dame (Reprise)
Out There (Reprise)
The Hunchback of Notre Dame ended its run
September 28, 2002. |
|
INTRODUCTION
Fifteenth century France is brought to life before your eyes on the
Backlot Theater stage, with colorful sets and brightly costumed performers
in a magical musical staging of The Hunchback of Notre Dame -- A Musical
Adventure. You'll find Quasimodo, Esmeralda, Phoebus and their friends
by walking to the end of New York Street, then making a left.
ATTRACTION
Pre-Show - There are several different performers who "warm-up"
the audience beginning about 20 minutes prior to show-time. Matt the
Juggler (at left) is my personal favorite, as he demonstrates wit and
a real talent for juggling -- even though by now I know almost all of
his jokes!
The Hunchback of Notre Dame - A Musical Adventure - Following the script
of the original animated feature pretty closely, the show traces the
life of the orphaned Quasimodo. Despite the efforts of the cold, self-righteous
Judge Frollo, the deformed bell-ringer eventually finds freedom through
his relationship with the beautiful gypsy Esmeralda and the captain
of the guard, Phoebus. The story is told through the use of uplifting
musical numbers pulled straight from the film, vibrant costumes, innovative
and expressive puppets, and a healthy helping of special effects.
Mini-Review: In my opinion, this is consistently the best production
currently running at the Disney-MGM Studios. The staging, music and
talented performances make this show a joy to watch even after repeated
visits. One warning though: if I'm in the audience, you might want to
cover your ears so you don't hear me singing along with Quasimodo as
he performs "Out There"!
For more information on Disney-MGM Studios Live Entertainment, visit
Steve Soares' WDW Entertainment Website.
TOURING TIPS
This show is performed several times a day and lasts approximately 32
minutes.
The best place to sit for this show is up front, close to the walkway
that extends into the audience. All the characters make extensive use
of this walkway, making you feel a part of the show.
Try to see this show early or later in the day - despite the fact that
it's open, the theater tends to get hot in the midday.
Don't miss the entertaining pre-show! Claim your seat at the theater
at least 20 minutes prior to show time. Be forewarned, though - those
sitting in the front seats are frequently called on to "help"
with the juggler.
Be sure to note how the puppeteer working Djali, Esmeralda's goat, shows
the emotion of the scene on his face as he manipulates the puppet.
Watch the character of Clopin carefully throughout the show -- in several
scenes, he duplicates the action occurring onstage or re-enacts scenes
that occurred off-stage with puppets.
Many children find the themes of this show a bit over their heads and
may be bored -- Hunchback seems to have a much stronger appeal to an
older audience. If your child wasn't wild about this movie, you may
want to skip this show with them. Come back to see it later without
them!
This attraction is wheel chair/ECV accessible, with special seating
available.
Assistive Listening Devices from Guest Services Can Be Used Here.
The nearest restrooms are located in Mama Melrose's restaurant a few
minutes away from the theater.
Across the street from the exits of the Backlot Theater, be sure to
look for the Singin' in the Rain umbrella! It's a great spot for a Gene
Kelly photo opportunity -- just watch out for the rain! If you step
in the right spot, you're sure to get showered!
KIDS AND CHARACTERS
The show's performers walk into the audience along the runway in the
middle of the theater at several points during the show. At the end
of the show, they'll shake hands.
Small children may be frightened at several scenes, including one in
which puppets and towns are set on fire.
The Backlot Theater is located next to the Character Greeting spot called
Al's Toy Barn, which features characters from the Toy Story movies.
Check your daily Guide Map for times and locations of other Character
Meet and Greet opportunities throughout Disney-MGM Studios.
DINING
There is no place to eat in the immediate vicinity of the Hunchback
of Notre Dame show.
SHOPPING
There is no place to shop in the immediate vicinity of the Hunchback
show.
INTERESTING FACTS
The Backlot Theater has housed several other productions prior to the
Hunchback of Notre Dame, including Beauty and the Beast and Pocahontas.
Some of the original Hunchback cast members moved to shows in the Animal
Kingdom when that park opened.
Many other photos of this breathtaking show can be found in the Hunchback
of Notre Dame Photo Gallery. |
