Springhouse Theatre Company’s Hunchback Delivers Large Scale Talent
Photo Credit: Jenna Henderson
Director Charlotte Myhre Shealy has assembled a wonderful company to deliver this grandiose production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame! It’s not often that you get to see a show that includes a live orchestra and choir these days. Josh Burfeind, Music Director, helms the podium with confidence, leading the way as the cast, choir, and orchestra deliver a robust performance of Menken and Schwartz’s massive score.
Everyone’s feeling “Topsy Turvy” with Clopin Trouillefou (Aaron Catron) leading the festivities.
Photo Credit: Jenna Henderson
One of the things that stuck out to me the most about this production was how well it was cast. A collection of actors who were committed to telling this heartbreaking story with stunning vocals. Aaron Arseneault showed an incredible character arc in his portrayal of the wicked Frollo. His rendition of “Hellfire” was riveting. Arseneault’s vocal powerhouse combined the backing of the choir definitely sent chills down my spine. Ella Claybrooks brought a refreshing take on Esmerelda. I am used to being impressed by “God Help the Outcasts” but Claybrooks brought the same amount of vocal prowess on in “Top of the World” and “Someday”. She also offered great chemistry with both Quasimodo and Phoebus. Brooks Bennett’s Phoebus was a delight. His voice was powerful with the stamina to match Henry and Arseneault’s in their trio moment within “Esmerelda” to soar over the full company’s voices at the end of Act 1. Providing much needed comedic relief was the whimsical Clopin portrayed with great physical humor by Aaron Catron. His additional portrayal of the sniveling King Louis XI was a crowd highlight for sure.
Aaron Arseneault as Dom Claude Frollo singing backed by the choir.
Photo Credit: Jenna Henderson
I don’t know anything about Matthew Henry as bios were not included in the programs, however, if I had to guess, this tenor has a wealth of experience to deliver a performance as Quasimodo that brought about shouts of “bravo!” after every solo and an immediate standing ovation at the conclusion of the show. The nuance of Henry’s vocal abilities paired with his sensitivity to presenting a character who is hearing impaired created such vulnerable moments throughout that had the audience hanging onto every note and inflection he delivered to us. I have heard murmurs of Hunchback finally making it’s way to Broadway and if it does, I sure hope the casting directors know about Matthew Henry. His Quasimodo is a once in a lifetime version and I hope that more people can experience it.
Quasimodo (Matthew Henry) and Esmerelda (Ella Claybrooks) sing “At the Top of the World” amongst the gargoyles.
Photo Credit: Jenna Henderson
The use of ASL throughout this show is to be commended. I brought my children with me and they are currently learning ASL and they were absolutely pumped to witness this use of it during a musical. Miranda Laurent provides some lovely choreography in this production. I especially enjoyed how she framed Phoebus amongst the other soldiers during “Rest and Recreation”. The dancing within the “Thai Moi Piyas” was very sultry and tastefully delivered. The ensemble of gargoyles moved collectively but each one had a unique personality. My family and I enjoyed the playfulness some of them had going in and out of their frozen stone positions as Frollo walked by.
Brooks Bennett as Captain Phoebus de Martin.
Photo Credit: Jenna Henderson
The moveable scenic design by Robert True and Jason Young paired nicely with Kristian Rarig’s expert lighting design to more effectively tell the story as we moved from scene to scene. I thought it was a good use of the space on the broad stage of the Springhouse Worship and Arts Center. I must also give a shoutout to Libby Adelmeyer’s Makeup Design as this Quasimodo’s look was the most believable, I have seen thus far. I would recommend this show for kids ages 10+ as it does have some dark themes that younger kids may not be able to quite comprehend. I appreciated Shealy’s Director’s Note mentioning this: “In a show that grapples with darkness and temptation, look for the goodness that rises above. Follow the choices to do good at personal cost, for those with nothing to offer, with no promise of benefit in return.” Isn’t that the truth of life and this world that we live in? Sometimes there are chapters in life that do not have a clear redemptive ending. But, that doesn’t mean that it won’t ultimately “come someday soon” and may we all choose to do good even when nobody around us will.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is showing through September 20, 2026 in Smyrna. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Springhouse Theatre Company - Springhouse Theatre.