(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre is currently presenting the musical, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, from October 7-22, 2023. Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, The Hunchback of Notre Dame showcases the film's Academy Award-nominated score, plus new songs written for the stage. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
The show's bold theatrics combined with the music's orchestral and choral power, promise to transport audiences back to fifteenth century Paris and inside the walls of the world's most famous cathedral with Quasimodo, Esmeralda & Claude Frollo. This powerful and timeless tale of love and heroism, coming in the least expected forms, will have audiences mesmerized by the magic of this truly unforgettable musical.
The cast includes Zach Love (Quasimodo), Jan Topoleski (Frollo), Alicia Rose Ryan (Esmeralda), Rob Ryan (Phoebus), Jeff Bodnar (Clopin), Brendan Flanagan (Father Dupun/King/Congregation), Sean McLaughlin (Jehan/Congregation), James Chianese (St. Aprodisius/Congregation), Alex Dubinsky (Frederic/Congregation), Laura Jackson-Jahnke (Madame/Congregation), Hannah O'Brien (Florika/Congregation), and Reilly Shimko (Gyspy Dancer).
The Congregation also includes Bridget Farrow, Samantha Ferrante, Lauren Friedman, Nathan Salter, Connor Sheridan, and John C. Short. The choir includes Brandon Burns, Lisa Catalfamo, Sueann Chen, Darren DeAngelo, Max Devivo *, Ethan Difrancia, Abigail Doino *, Angela Gibilisco, Terese Terree Goble, Dr. Karen Gray, Charlie Thomas Hughes, Helena Lecompte *, Danny Marks, Amanda Mason, Ava Minall *, Karina-Anne Minall *, Sophia Nelson *, Mia Portelli *, Gary Alan Powell, Rachel Sievers, and Cindy Wald.
*Algonquin Youth Ensemble (AYE) is Algonquin's marquee arts education program within the theatre's Performing Arts Academy. Students are selected to participate through a highly-competitive audition process prior to the start of the semester. In addition to rehearsing for the main stage performance in which they are cast, AYE students are enrolled in a class that runs in conjunction with the rehearsal period, teaching theatre skills and concepts that are applied to the production.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame creative team includes Gina Lupi, Director; Kathleen Pearlberg, Choreographer; Stephen Strouse, Musical Director; Marissa DeVeau, AYE Lead Teaching Artist/ Choral Chair Leader; Luke Pearlberg, Fight Choreographer; Caroline Laberdee Rehearsal Stage Manager; Rachel Krupnick, Production Stage Manager; Jason Greenhouse, Scenic Designer, Roman Klima, Lighting Design; Joanne Penrose, Costume Coordinator; Joe Ficarra, Prop Design, Jan Topoleski, Sound Design and Julie Nagy, Producer.
The Algonquin Arts Theatre production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame; Music by Alan Menken; Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz; Book by Peter Parnell. Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney film. Originally Developed by Disney Theatrical Productions.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
Show and series producers include: Janice Blanton, Deborah Dec, James & Arlene Donegan, JL Grandinetti, Vincent Gifford, Boris Jelic, Diane & Jerry Levitz and “Broadway” Ray Soehngen.
Here are more photos from the production.
ALGONQUIN ARTS THEATRE (AAT) is a 501c(3) non-profit center for performing arts, providing cultural enrichment and arts education for residents and visitors of Central New Jersey and the Jersey Shore through high quality performances and programs in theatre, music, dance and film.
Located in Manasquan, N.J., AAT is an integral part of the Shore region, offering broad access to arts experiences across multiple disciplines. Deeply committed to education, AAT serves students of all ages not only through art and music instruction, but also through the unique communal conversation that exists between audience member and performer. A journeyman house, AAT features the work of young and emerging artists, designers and directors working alongside seasoned professionals.
AAT provides a platform for local and regional performers to showcase their work and offers audiences the opportunity to engage very directly and personally in the arts, fostering greater participation and providing an engaging means for exploring personal and societal issues through the world of the stage.
Algonquin Arts Theatre's programs are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts / Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Funding is also provided by Hackensack Meridian Health, the PNC Foundation, Manasquan Bank, Sunnyside Manor, the Dodge Foundation, the Provident Bank Foundation and the generosity of other businesses and our patrons.
John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in photographing live theatre and music performances. For more than 15 years, John has photographed live events where he mastered the techniques of timing and capturing fast moving action under challenging lighting conditions. Currently, John has spent the last 3 years concentrating on photographing almost 200 theatre productions for over 70 different theatres. Click here for John's website.
