Review: SELECTIONS FROM THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME at Don't Tell Mama

Fidelity Theatricals returned to Don’t Tell Mama on April 24 with Selections from The Hunchback of Notre Dame, delivering a powerful and musically rich evening centered on one of musical theatre’s most demanding scores. Directed by Sebastian Henson with music direction by Blake Brauner, the concert leaned fully into the sweeping, choral nature of the material. 

For those less familiar, The Hunchback of Notre Dame follows Quasimodo, the bell ringer of Notre Dame, as he longs to experience life beyond the cathedral walls. Under the control of the conflicted and deeply rigid Frollo, Quasimodo’s world shifts when he meets the free spirited Esmeralda, setting off a story that explores isolation, morality, love, and what it truly means to belong.

The cast featured Miles Messier, Samantha Chu, Ernest Barzaga, Sebastian Henson, and Luke Ahmed Hampshire, alongside a 14 person ensemble including Alex Reeves, Daniel Prior, Joshua Honoré, Tommy Dougherty, Gabriel Pupo, Luis Peralta, Michael Haber, Abigail Mack, Alexa Rodriguez, Analyse Gutierrez, Olivia Reiter, Arianna Guerreiro, Bailey Kirn, and Claire Frederick. Luke Ahmed Hampshire stood out in his role as Clopin, anchoring the ensemble with a strong narrative presence while helping guide the tone of the evening from beginning to end.

Ernest Barzaga’s Frollo was intense from the moment he stepped into the material, and “Hellfire” became a true centerpiece of the night. Rather than rushing into the power of the song, he let the tension build, allowing each phrase to land with intention. By the time the song reached its peak, the emotional and vocal payoff felt fully earned, making it one of the most gripping performances of the evening.

With Esmeralda, Samantha Chu took a more grounded and heartfelt approach, particularly in “God Help the Outcasts.” There was a quiet sincerity in the way she delivered the song, never overplaying the emotion but letting it sit naturally in the space. Her tone remained clear and controlled throughout, giving the moment a sense of calm strength that made even the audience feel safe.

Sebastian Henson’s take on Phoebus brought a welcome shift in tone, offering moments of charm and ease within the heavier score. In “Rest and Recreation,”He balanced charm and sincerity, bringing a grounded energy to the character while maintaining vocal control throughout. The performance felt relaxed but intentional, adding balance to the overall pacing of the night.

Miles Messier approached Quasimodo with a noticeable sense of care, and it paid off most in “Out There.” He allowed the vulnerability of the song to guide the performance, building from a place of quiet longing into something more open and hopeful. The emotional progression felt natural, and his connection to the material made the moment resonate.

The inclusion of a 14-person ensemble was especially impressive in a space like Don’t Tell Mama. Their harmonies were rich and layered, filling the room in a way that made the show feel much larger than the venue itself.

By the end of the night, Selections from The Hunchback of Notre Dame stood out as one of Fidelity Theatricals’ most musically ambitious evenings. The combination of strong individual performances and a powerful ensemble created a night that honored the complexity and beauty of the score while still feeling intimate and immediate.

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Learn more about Fidelity Theatricals, their upcoming shows and where to follow them on social media on their Linktree here.

They return to Don't Tell Mama on May 11 with selections from song cycles and standalone works. Find tickets to that and more upcoming shows at Don't Tell Mama on their website here.

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