Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
For 23 years, in the center of Boyle Heights community in East LA, an area of our city that many have never been to, hidden as a pearl in the shell, is Casa 0101 Theater. I must be honest; I did not expect anything special; little did I know what a huge surprise awaited me. If you want to experience an electrifying musical, full of great songs and powerful music, The Hunchback of Notre Dame,
based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney film, is where you want to spend your afternoon or evening. On my way home I could not stop thinking about the play and the experience which reminded me of leaving a show on Broadway.
When I walked into the space, I was totally surprised with the spaciousness and beauty of the place. In the lobby is the Jean Deleage Art Gallery, where during the run of the show the 'Gloria Molina: Madrina of the Eastside' is on exhibit, and even though an exhibit is dedicated to, 'The Life and Achievements of the Trailblazing Chicana Public Servant', Gloria Molina; eleven artists' work is featured and curated by Jimmy Centeno. Great job!
At the end of the corridor is the entrance to a theatre space. And there I found another surprise, a gorgeous 99-seat theatre with nicely elevated, comfortable seats, and a beautiful, good-sized stage area, with simple, but effective set, which beautifully serves the needs of the production.
I am beyond words for the illustriousness of this musical. Upon the opening we were immediately transferred into fifteenth-century Paris, where the bells of Notre Dame Cathedral ring out at certain times of the day. The actors started high, very high and maintained that level throughout. I knew then I was there for a real treat. With their strong, powerful singing voices they kept the audience on the edge of their seats, letting them enjoy every moment with true amazement. Not surprisingly anymore, they managed to go even higher by the end of the play. What a wonderful, powerful ending they gave us! This is a play where you don't breathe, you don't want to move, so you do not miss any moment of the intensity of the story told and the performance given. With their strong, powerful singing voices, the actors keep the audience captivated and glued to the stage. After each scene of a musical sequence, the sighs of WOW!!! have been heard all around me. So exciting and magnificent!
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
is a new musical and five principal actors lead a cast of twenty-two performers. The principal actors include, CJ Cruz (Quasimodo) - the deformed bell-ringer of Notre Dame Cathedral,
Jack Bernaz (Dom Claude Frollo) - Archdeacon of Notre Dame,
Bimei Flores (Esmeralda) - a beautiful and free-spirited Gypsy,
Drew Maidment (Phoebus de Martin) - Captain of Notre Dame Cathedral Guard and
Christopher J. Thume (Clopin Trouillefou) - King of the Gypsies. Everyone on that stage was phenomenal, and all the leads gave truly memorable performances. Bravo!
The songs from the Disney film have been told by the Ensemble Storytellers, who also play multiple roles in the show; Alyssa Royas (Florika, A Gypsy, Ensemble, Statue, Parishioner, Prostitute, Citizen);
Dian Yu (Ensemble, Reveler, Parishioner, Prostitute, Citizen);
Rachel Aspyn (Ensemble, Statue, Reveler, Parishioner, Citizen);
Gabriella Ortiz (Ensemble, Statue, Reveler, Parishioner, Citizen);
Angelica Ornelas (Ensemble, Statue, Reveler Parishioner, Citizen);
Jocelyn Thalia Sanchez (Ensemble, Statue, Reveler, Parishioner, Prostitute, Citizen);
Sol Joun (Madame, owner of the brothel and safe haven for Gypsies, Ensemble, Gargoyle, Reveler, Parishioner, Citizen);
Kong Vang (Ensemble, Gargoyle, Soldier, Reveler, Parishioner, Citizen, Understudy for Clopin Trouillefou);
Jude Monge (Ensemble, Gargoyle, Soldier, Reveler, Parishioner, Citizen); and
Andre Heimos (Frederic Charlus, Lieutenant of the Cathedral Guard, Ensemble, Statue, Soldier, Reveler, Parishioner, Citizen, Understudy for Don Claude Frollo).
Choir members
of the cast include: Sammy J. Kohler (Gypsy, Jehan Frollo, Claude reckless younger brother, Saint Aphrodisius, a stained-glass image that comes to life, Choir, Understudy for Gargoyle);
Ethan Trejo (Haughty Gentleman, Priest, King Louis XI, King of France, nicknamed the Prudent, Choir);
Anthony Galang (Father Dupin, a Priest of Notre Dame Cathedral and guardian of Claude and Jehan; Official, an officer of the court of King Louis XI; Choir);
Stormi Raii (Choir);
Andrea Lara (Choir and Understudy for Esmeralda);
Chrissi Erickson (Choir); and
Brianna Bonilla (Choir).
I don't know where to start with my praise; the show is skillfully directed by Rigo Tejeda,
Peter Parnell, Lyrics by
Stephen Schwartz and Music by
Alan Menken have done book. The production team created a masterpiece in every area of the show;
Alejandro Parra (Lighting Design),
Miguel Delgato (Sound Design/Technical director),
Alejandro Lechuga (Costumes Designer),
Marcos DeLeon (Set Designer),
Tania Possick (Choreographer),
Gabrielle Maldonado (Music Director),
Lorena M. Ortega (Prop Master), Steve Moyer (Public Relations/Press Representative) etc.
Josefina Lopez
is the founding Artistic Director of CASA 0101 Theater, Emmanuel Deleage (Producer and Founding Executive Director),
Abel Alvarado (Associate Producer & Producing Artistic Director, TNH-Theatro Nuevas Horizontes Productions),
Edward Padilla (Casting Director/Board Member),
Rigo Tejeda (Director & Founding Artistic Director for TNH Productions). You created a fantastic show, everyone!
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
will be presented on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm, and on Sundays at 3:00 pm for a six-week run, November 15-December 22, 2024, in the Gloria Molina Auditorium at CASA 0101 Theater, 2102 East First Street (at St. Louis Street), Los Angeles, CA 90033. There will be no performance on Friday, November 29, 2024.
The tickets are $35 General admission; $30 Students & Seniors 60+; $25 for Boyle Heights residents
Free Parking is available nearby. Limited free parking is also available at the Boyle Heights City Hall Parking Lot located at 2130 East First Street (at Chicago Street) by entering the lot from Chicago Street.
This musical contains adult themes and is not recommended for children under 13-years-old.
For tickets, please call the CASA 0101 Theater Box Office at 323-263-7684, E-mail tickets@casa0101.org , or buy online at
www.casa0101.org
*** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED SHOW
