D'Angeles, Franklin, Storm Join Chicago Cast of Hunchback Musical July 24

By Kenneth Jones
July 24, 2008

Bailiwick Repertory's Jeff Award-nominated production of rocker Dennis DeYoung's new musical adaptation of Victor Hugo's classic, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, now extended by the Chicago troupe, welcomes Broadway veteran Evan D'Angeles as Quasimodo beginning July 24.

D'Angeles replaces George Andrew Wolff. Gregory Franklin, as the tormented priest Frollo, and Doug Storm as Phoebus, also join the cast for the extension period. Original principals Liz Pazik as Mahiette and Dana Tretta as Esmerelda continue in their roles.

D'Angeles' Broadway credits include Miss Saigon, Pacific Overtures and concerts. He has performed in the national tours of Cats and Rent, for which he played Angel for six months in Chicago.

	Evan D'Angeles with Dana Tretta

New ensemble members include Rachel Renee, Mark LeBeau, Jessica Lauren Fisher, Kelli Clevinger and Kendel Lester. New musical director is Robert Ollis.

DeYoung penned book, music and lyrics for the world premiere, which is a revision of an earlier version of the tale he wrote for a production seen in Tennessee. The Hunchback of Notre Dame opened May 19 after previews from May 8. DeYoung is known for song hits "Lady," "Come Sail Away" and "Mr. Roboto."

Bailiwick artistic director David Zak directs the "unique and thrilling" production "that surrounds the audience with the epic tale of unrequited love." According to Bailiwick, "We meet the deformed bell-ringer Quasimodo, the tormented priest Fr. Frollo, and the Gypsy girl Esmerelda who entrances them both in a story of great power and beauty."

The Hunchback of Notre Dame plays Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, and Sundays at 3:30 PM through Aug. 31.

For more information visit www.bailiwick.org.