The Hunchback of Notre Dame: Musical synopsis

The Hunchback of Notre Dame Synopsis - Broadway musical

Synopsis: The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame musical adapts Hugo's novel and Disney movie for stage.

Music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, book by Peter Parnell.

It blends choral power with intimate storytelling inside medieval Paris.

Act I.

Act I opens with bells echoing through Notre Dame.

Quasimodo hears them while longing for outside freedom.

His guardian Frollo warns against dangerous crowds.

The Festival of Fools tempts Quasimodo downward.

Esmeralda dances, enchanting soldiers and citizens.

She shields Quasimodo during cruel mockery.

Captain Phoebus sides with her, challenging Frollo's rigid order.

Frollo's obsession ignites after Esmeralda's act of mercy.

He declares her a witch, unleashing citywide search.

Esmeralda finds sanctuary within the cathedral walls.

Quasimodo vows to protect her forever.

Act II.

Act II darkens under Frollo's relentless pursuit.

Phoebus and Esmeralda confess love during daring escape.

Frollo captures them, sentencing Phoebus to death.

Quasimodo rescues Phoebus from drowning Seine waters.

The pair rally gypsies inside Court of Miracles.

Frollo discovers hideout, orders brutal attack at dawn.

Battle ends atop the towers under roaring flames.

Quasimodo casts Frollo from the heights.

Esmeralda dies in Quasimodo's arms, yet inspires future compassion.

Final bells ring, urging Paris toward acceptance.

Key songs.

• "The Bells of Notre Dame"
• "Out There"
• "God Help the Outcasts"
• "Hellfire"
• "Someday"
• "Made of Stone"
• "Rhythm of the Tambourine"

Recent developments.

UK professional premiere concerts set for Prince Edward Theatre, August 17, 2025.

Jonathan O'Boyle directs, with musical director Alan Williams.

Regional productions continue nationwide through 2025.

Design teams test new projection mapping for cathedral interiors.

Creative team.

Alan Menken delivers soaring choral themes.

Stephen Schwartz supplies rich lyrical depth.

Peter Parnell crafts a script balancing faith and freedom.

Questions and Answers.

When will the UK premiere happen?

August 17 2025 at Prince Edward Theatre, two concerts scheduled.

Who voices Quasimodo in the original recording?

Michael Arden performs Quasimodo on the 2016 cast album.

Which song underscores Frollo’s inner conflict?

"Hellfire" exposes Frollo’s torment with searing intensity.

Is the score identical to the 1996 film?

No, new songs like "Made of Stone" deepen character arcs.

Will a full West End run follow the concerts?

Producers hint at expansion if demand proves strong.