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Dennis DeYoung's Hunchback Musical Opens May 19 in Chicago
By Kenneth Jones
19 May 2008
Come sail away — to Paris. Bailiwick Repertory Theatre's Chicago world-premiere production of rocker Dennis DeYoung's epic new musical The Hunchback of Notre Dame opens May 19 after previews from May 8.
The Victor Hugo-inspired tale — about the gypsy Esmeralda, the priest Frollo and the deformed bell-ringer, Quasimodo — has book, music and lyrics by DeYoung, known for song hits "Lady," "Come Sail Away" and "Mr. Roboto."
This is the premiere of a revised version of DeYoung's musical, seen in a 1997-98 production by Tennessee Repertory Theatre. The book is new, and it has new musical material, according to director David Zak, who is Bailiwick's artistic director.
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"The soaring ballads and driving musicality of DeYoung's score are a perfect match for this story set against the spires of the world's most beloved cathedral," according to Bailiwick.
The cast includes George Andrew Wolff (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Marriott Theatre's The Producers) as the deformed, lovable hunched-back bell-ringer Quasimodo; Dana Tretta as Esmerelda, the Gypsy with a heart of gold; and Jeremy Rill (Satan in Bailiwick's Jerry Springer – The Opera) as the evil priest Frollo.
Jim Rank (a Jeff Award nominee for playing The Baron in Drury Lane Water Tower's Grand Hotel) plays the dashing Phoebus, the brave soldier who wins Esmerelda's heart. Liz Pazik plays Mahiette. Michael Harnichar plays Sergeant Gudule (Jerry Springer – The Opera).
Performances play Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, and Sundays at 3:30 PM through July 6.
For tickets and reservations call (773) 883-1090 or visit www.bailiwick.org.
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Founded in 1982, Bailiwick Repertory is dedicated to reflecting on our stages the diversity of our world in works ranging from classics to world premieres. The Primary Series features plays and musicals — many by Chicago authors — appealing to the traditional theatregoer, while the Community Based Initiatives — Pride Series, Directors Fest, Summer Youth Initiative, and Second Sex Series featuring women in prominence — develop new artists and audiences.
Bailiwick, one of the major non-Equity institutions in Chicago, has earned over 150 Jeff Recommendations and Citations, including Best Musical Awards for the last three seasons for the world premiere of Dr. Sex, the Chicago premiere of Parade, and a revival of Kiss of the Spider Woman.
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