Jordyn Anderson
At its best, performance art evokes a fully immersive experience for the audience. Music Circuses’ final show of it’s 66th season delivers just that with an engaging and entertaining rendition of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, highlighted by one of the most genuine and memorable performances from a lead actor.
Photo courtesy of Music Circus
Actor John McGinty delivers an incredible interpretation of title-character Quasimodo in the rarely-seen musical version of Victor Hugo’s classic tale, (Disney only licensed to three domestic theater companies this year). Upping the ante even further, McGinty has no professional training and is the first deaf actor to ever play the role. The production benefits greatly from McGinty’s beautifully innocent and mesmerizingly honest performance, with strong support throughout from an impressive lineup of experienced musical theater artists.
Quasimodo’s musical performances are delivered effortlessly by Jim Hogan, whose symbiotic on-stage dynamic with McGinty helps carry the storyline seamlessly throughout the evening. This marks the only stage collaboration between legendary composer Alan Menken and lyricist Stephen Schwartz, combining the commercial appeal of a Disney musical production while being masterfully interwoven with darker, Shakespearean-style undertones.
The theater-in-the-round format always provides for an exciting environment, and this production takes full advantage with a rear balcony, smoke-shields utilized mid-theater, and much of the fast-paced action taking place within the aisle ways.
Bid farewell to this summer’s Music Circus season on a high note with an unforgettable production of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.”
Performances run through August 28th and tickets can be purchased online at SacramentoMusicCircus.com or by calling (916) 557-1999.