Written by orange• October 6, 2026• 8:56 pm• Musical, Newport Beach, Newport Theatre Arts Center, Uncategorized

The Hunchback of Notre Dame the musical @ Newport Theatre Arts Center – Review

Photo credit: Andrew Nguyen

Written by Patrick Chavis

Hunchback of Notre Dame is playing now at the Newport Theatre Arts Center from September 25 to October 25, 2026.

Is there gypsy magic in this theater? Because Director Rebecca Rubino has done magical things with this musical at the Rae A. Cohen Theatre. The precise blocking, choreography from Kara Dillard, and resplendent choir vocals made this reviewer need Sanctuary from the tears.

Story:

The musical follows Quasimodo (Jason Gonzalez), a hunchback born of gypsy woman and the younger brother of a priest, Jehan (Noah Reitz). After his brother’s untimely death, Dom Claude Frollo (Stephen Reifenstein) pledges to care for Quasimodo, becomes the head of the church, and raises him like a servant, keeping him in the bell tower of Notre Dame until a gypsy woman named Esmeralda (Jenna Van Ommeren) changes both their lives.

Hunchback was created after the Disney animated film adaptation of Victor Hugo’s famous novel in the 1800s. Victor Hugo, yes, the same person who wrote Les Misérables. Surprisingly, The Hunchback of Notre Dame was not a very successful film for Disney at the time. But that didn’t stop them from thinking it would make a good musical, and I’m glad, because The Hunchback is definitely a solid adaptation. Alan Menken’s music is iconic, and Stephen Schwartz’s lyrics really capture the characters’ emotions. For this reviewer, this is one of those times when I would say the stage musical improves on its previous material (the Disney movie).

This cast is packed with talent. I didn’t hear an off note the entire show—lush, exuberant vocals you would expect from a well-trained choir, not only from the ensemble and choir but from independent vocalists as well.

Acting/Effects:

Florika, Quasimotto’s mother, is a smaller role in the play, but Meaghan Howard didn’t play it that way, especially in the early scenes where the play sets up the backstory. Moments like this, though short, were entertaining and full of information without overexplaining. Meaghan Howard, Noah Reitz, and of course Stephen Reifenstein bring it together in the performance; song: The Bells of Notre Dame.

Opening the second act, Delaney Tobin’s ballet dancing is a treat.

The effects are stunning, particularly the varied use of smoke on stage, combined with the lighting, which is tastefully implemented by Joshua Serrano, OCR Best Lighting 2026.

Jenny Wentworth’s costumes definitely take inspiration from the film. It’s hard not to notice a similar design in Esmeralda’s costume. That being said, Wentworth uses a great variety of costumes. It seems like a new outfit pops up in almost every scene. But these aren’t mere imitations. For example, the Gargoyles’ leather-like costumes, along with their ears, give them a distinctive look. Though painting the faces may have been a nice touch.

And what about the Gargoyles? I loved the varied casting of this group, and they all brought something different to the role.

Holly Jones brought vocals and inner machinations to Quasimodo that were warm and vibrant, unlike her stone heart.

Hayden Magnum plays the stoic but troubled Phoebus like a man on fire. The sincerity in singing and performance was beautifully rendered in this show.

The exclusion of a live band is always missed in a musical, but Music Director Jennifer D’Onofrio’s deft hand with the vocals does much to make up for it.

Jason Gonzalez (Quasimodo) and Jenna Van Ommeren display such a great, innocent care for each other on stage in the tune “Top of the World”.

Two incredible lead performances from Gonzalez and Ommeren. Gonzalez, with a voice that’s piercing but tender, matched the emotional ballad of “Out There” so well.

Not to be missed, highly recommended!