The Hunchback of Notre Dame

[TheatreKid3]

Posted: 9/29/12 at 5:43pm

I've been researching this show over the past month, and found the full cast recording of Der Glöckner von Notre Dame on YouTube. The music is just so beautiful. It puzzles me that Disney hasn't brought this to the states yet, even though I do understand their concern over the darker nature of the show. At this day in time, I don't think that matters as much. I just tell myself they are working on it to make it even better and that, when it does open, it will be incredible.

But back to the point,

I was just thinking and, to me, it seems to me that this show could be a likely candidate for what eventually will replace POPPINS at the New Amsterdam. It will no doubt need a huge theatre and the New Amsterdam would be perfect for it. Also, while listening to the cast recording on YouTube, someone commented saying that "[they] can't wait until this show comes to the states! 2014 can't come soon enough!" To me, that seems like a realistic timeline. And, as everyone knows, there have been little news stories here and there in the media over the last few years suggesting the show might be coming to America. I take that comment with a grain of salt, but it is interesting think about nonetheless.

All that aside, I do think HUNCHBACK could be Disney's new mega-musical.

[TheatreKid3]

Posted: 9/30/12 at 12:28pm

Does anyone think it is likely we may see this show on Broadway in the not too distant future?

And yes, I know that this show is brought up at least once every month.
Updated On: 9/30/12 at 12:28 PM

[EricMontreal22]

Posted: 9/30/12 at 1:11pm

One issue that comes up is the show was very much a pet project of Michael Eisner (he was even pushing for a live action TV movie musical adapatation) who is no longer with Disney.

Posted: 9/30/12 at 11:42pm

hate micheal eisner

[PlayItAgain]

Posted: 10/1/12 at 12:04am

Aladdin is coming in 2014 so thats gonna put the nail in Notre Dame for that time frame (and as someone who has some insider info on this, Notre Dame is nowhere on the list for DTG right now, theres at least half a dozen projects that will see NYC first)

[JohnyBroadway]

Posted: 10/1/12 at 12:44am

Where is a press release for Aladdin?

Updated On: 10/1/12 at 12:44 AM

[PlayItAgain]

Posted: 10/1/12 at 12:47am

^like I said insider info

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 10/1/12 at 1:09am

I would rather Der Glockner over Aladdin. Disney just need to release the rights to another producer ( calling Cam Mac )

[perfectlymarvelous]

Posted: 10/1/12 at 1:45am

Hunchback is one of my favorite Disney films and it's such a beautiful, theatrical score...I really wish they'd bring it to New York but I feel like it's one of those properties that Disney doesn't capitalize on or merchandise much. It's definitely on the darker side for an animated Disney film, and I wonder how successful they'd be marketing the stage version to the family and tourist set that normally attends the Disney shows.

[Brave Sir Robin2]

Posted: 10/1/12 at 1:48am

As much as I'd like to see this happen, I'd rather see POCAHONTAS or even HOCUS POCUS first. What are everyone's thoughts on a musical version of SLEEPING BEAUTY or an older property? What about PINOCCHIO?

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 10/1/12 at 2:06am

Can't stand Pocahontas..

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 10/1/12 at 2:07am

Can't stand Pocahontas..

[Tsao5]

Posted: 10/1/12 at 2:29am

There have been theaters in both Europe and the States who have wanted to do
Hunchback. But Disney has said no. For whatever reason, with the exception of a small Korean production about 5 years ago, Disney doesn't want to give out the rights.

For the project to go forward, a new stage adaptation of the animated movie would need to be done. The Lapine version was devoid of any charm or wit. Yes, people liked that she died at the end (though it is unclear why) but the 2 hours before that were lacking.

The strong point of the show is the music (and especially the music that was added for the world premier production in Berlin), and as some have pointed out, the darkness of this particular Disney film/musical.

So, it is safe to say, the Lapine script will never be seen again. BUT....BUT, that certainly does not mean that a new treatment could not and will not be better and more satisfying to the people who put up the money. You cannot do Hunchback on the cheap. It would be an expensive production no matter what. At the time it went up in Berlin it was the most expensive musical ever. But, that was 1999, and now it has been eclipsed by many other shows.

Other posters are correct when they say that Hunchback has many other projects ahead of it, before it is given a green light. But, say in 4-7 years, who knows? Maybe it will see the light of day. But, just not the production that ran for 3 years in Berlin.

By the hoo, some worthless trivia: In very early workshops (years ago) 2 actresses did the reading, at different times, for the Laverne/Loni character (that is the female gargoyle): Dorothy Loudon and Denny Dillon (yes, the short stocky woman with moxie).

[Justin D]

Posted: 10/1/12 at 9:45am

I remember talk, or maybe just rumours, that Menken and Schwartz was looking at the posibility of mounting it as a Menken Schwartz show and lessening the whole Disney aspect as it relates to producers, but that would seem impossible to me.

[g.d.e.l.g.i.]

Posted: 10/1/12 at 11:34am

I do recall hearing at one point that Disney had hired Craig Lucas to re-tool Lapine's book, but after that, nothing else.

[broadway guy]

Posted: 10/1/12 at 2:16pm

"As much as I'd like to see this happen, I'd rather see POCAHONTAS or even HOCUS POCUS first. What are everyone's thoughts on a musical version of SLEEPING BEAUTY or an older property? What about PINOCCHIO?"

Pochantas: Interesting Idea But they would have to develop the story alot,and add a TON of songs,But the idea is cool,just needs that right angle.The Dancing could be awesome in that show.

Hocus Pocus: hmmmm..not sure how that would work,besides,there are way to many witches on broadway right now.

sleeping Beauty: I can't see that at all.There is nothing particular exciting about that story,it does not have an edge and the princess is very bland in that story.

Pinochio: There is actually a very well written musical called "MY SON PINOCHIO" that actually has a great score and book.MTI produces it.

I sadly do not not think Hunchback will be on broadway any time soon.They keep saying it is coming to broadway but I hear that every year

[darquegk]

Posted: 10/1/12 at 2:38pm

My Son Pinocchio probably takes the cake for the musical renamed the most times during its licensing period. It went from being named "Gepetto" after the TV movie that inspired it, to being "Gepetto and Son," and now it's "My Son Pinocchio."

[TheatreKid3]

Posted: 10/1/12 at 2:46pm

POCAHONTAS, in my opinion, could make a great stage musical. "Colors of the Wind" alone begs for it. But, as another poster pointed out, it would have to be done right. Lots of authenticity, historical accuracy (as the movie really wasn't...) and a neat outdoor-sy look as far as set goes.

My short list for Disney show currently consists of:
HERCULES - it would be freaking amazing.
HUNCHBACK - could be Disney's LES MIZ (aside from LION KING - I mean in terms of grand scale production and gorgeous, period music and story).
POCHONTAS - could be very interesting.
ALADDIN - they had better not mess this up.
THE LITTLE MERMAID - revamped and redone because that material deserves justice.

Count me in with the poster that hopes they don't touch SLEEPING BEAUTY. It's not written well for a stage musical at all.





Updated On: 10/1/12 at 02:46 PM

[Jonwo]

Posted: 10/1/12 at 3:11pm

Hercules has potential but tricky to pull off especially with the monsters. I've alway thought Mulan would make a great stage musical but it doesn't lend itself naturally for a stage adaptation.

[broadway guy]

Posted: 10/1/12 at 11:03pm

To the people who want Hercules on broadway,how exactly would you want it staged? I Love that movie but for some reason I think it would be wrong for broadway.I think it lends it self to the stage enough,but I dont think its is BIG enough for broadway,I love the score but it does not to compare to Lion king or BATB. But i would love to hear your suggestions to change my mind.

[Starship]

Posted: 10/1/12 at 11:14pm

Hercules or bust with Kecia Lewis Evans, Rashidra Scott, Patina Miller as three of the five Muses alongside Danny Devito as Phil and Lindsey Mendaz as Meg.

I can dream, can't I? Updated On: 10/1/12 at 11:14 PM

[devonian.t]

Posted: 10/2/12 at 2:08am

HERCULES!

You do the monsters like Warhorse/ Lion King- big manipulated puppets with fantastical designs.

Could be awesome.

[Starship]

Posted: 10/2/12 at 2:41am

No. It WOULD be awesome.

[bdn223]

Posted: 10/2/12 at 3:24pm

Poppins is getting one more summer to make money because at its current rate its a goner. Disney is just trying to establish Newsies and see if its as consistent as Poppins is or Beast was before they decide to close Poppins for Aladdin because they don't want another Little Mermaid which made money by the boatload its first year then quickly tapered off during the subsequent year, instead of the consistent though small profit made by Beauty and the Beast.

[TheatreKid3]

Posted: 10/2/12 at 3:37pm

HERCULES can be done. I've been developing all kinds of neat ideas I think would work, just for fun of course. But, it can be done.