The Hunch Marquee, The Critic picture image

The Hunch Marquee, The Critic

Since Today is the Feast of Fools/The Epiphany which is the day the Hunchback starts on, I thought I would take a break from Silly Sunday and review one most outstanding and most beautiful versions of Hunchback. Unfortunately this version is the shortest and it really is just a reference in a TV show but the shear masterpiece of this makes it more than a mere reference it’s a classic version on to it’s self.

Quasimodo with the Citizen of Paris in Hunch, The Critic picture image

Quasimodo with the Citizen of Paris in Hunch, The Critic

Of course I’m refereeing to musical version to from The Critic. In the episode Jay Sherman gets tickets to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s newest musical “Hunch.”

Quasimodo on the Pillory in Hunch, The Critic picture image

Quasimodo on the Pillory in Hunch, The Critic

This version centers more around Quasimodo and the citizens of Paris. It opens with Quasimodo tied to the pillory and the citizens blaming all their problems on Quasimodo.

Quasimodo and Esmeralda in Hunch, The Critic picture image

Quasimodo and Esmeralda in Hunch, The Critic

But Quasimodo takes it in stride and meets the lovely, innocent and kind Esmeralda. Quasimodo and her meet for a romantic picnic where they fall in love.

Quasimodo in Hunch, The Critic picture image

Quasimodo in Hunch, The Critic

However a misunderstanding occurs and Quasimodo is let alone in his stone deaf world. The silence is broken by the toll from the bells.

Jay Sherman is the luck audience member, The Critic picture image

Jay Sherman is the luck audience member, The Critic

A bell in then lower into the audience where one lucky person is blessed to be the bell’s clapper.

Jay Sherman, The Critic picture image

Jay Sherman, The Critic

It is in this moment that Quasimodo gets the courage to save day and wins the respect and acceptance of the people of Paris.

Quasimodo with the Citizen of Paris in Hunch, The Critic picture image

Quasimodo with the Citizen of Paris in Hunch, The Critic

This musical has lot of memorable numbers and brilliant lyrics. It also make full use of all the wonderful word-play and sight gags that can be done with the word “Hunch.” It’s quite apparent that Disney saw this fantastic and was like “let’s copy this” but Disney fails to capture the power, the magic and the overall spectacle of this timeless version. Even the beloved Notre Dame de Paris pales in comparison the the majesty of Hunch. Clearly Hunch is the most amazing and genius rendering on Victor Hugo’s novel ever made and it’s worthy everyone love and adoration.

Watch the Glory of it here

or enjoy it as it was ment to be view on a TV

 

Who would win in a drinking contest, Phoebus or Jehan?

Phoebus Vs Jehan picture image

Phoebus Vs Jehan

 

This is a difficult question. Both Jehan and Phoebus are fans of alcohol and in the book they do drink together. But when it comes to a contest who would win? I suppose it would come done to stakes, what would the win? If it’s Money I would say Jehan. If it’s pride I would say Phoebus. But if it’s a kiss from a pretty lady then either of them could win as they both love pretty ladies. I think Phoebus would ultimately win as Jehan is a slacker who hates hard work and Phoebus is more disciplined.

Phoebus (Norman Kerry) revealing Esmeralda's bare shoulder (Patsy Ruth Miller) 1923 Hunchback of Notre Dame image picture

Phoebus (Norman Kerry) revealing Esmeralda’s bare shoulder (Patsy Ruth Miller) 1923 Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

So I think it’s Phoebus. But what do you think? Agree or Disagree

Today’s Horoscope for January 2nd 2013 was prophesied for the Hunchback of Notre Dame, the book.

Elicia MacKenzie as Fleur de Lys & Yvan Pedneault as Phobus, World Tour Cast Notre Dame de Paris, Crocus City picture image

Elicia MacKenzie as Fleur de Lys & Yvan Pedneault as Phobus, World Tour Cast Notre Dame de Paris, Crocus City

“Although he visited her occasionally, from a lingering  spark of common respect, he felt doubly embarrassed in Fleur-de-Ly’s presence: first, because by dint of distributing is love in all sorts of places he had very little left for her and next, because amid so many stately, starched, and modest dames he trembled continually lest lips, accustomed to oaths, should suddenly lose all restraint and break out into the language of the tavern. ” (Book 7, Chapter 1 On the Danger of Confiding a Secret a Goat)

 

The prophesy is clear: Be sure to be mindful of who you address today, or else.

What New Year’s Resolution would the characters from The Hunchback Notre Dame make?

Hunchback of Notre Dame Character Illustration by Francois Joseph Aime De Lemud

Hunchback of Notre Dame Character Illustration by Francois Joseph Aime De Lemud

Quasimodo – Enjoy Life More
Esmeralda – Get a Handsome Boyfriend
Frollo – Stalk her less
Gringoire – Get my tragic tale of woe published
Phoebus -Cheat on my Girlfriend less
Clopin -Get Organize
Djali – Learn a new word
Fleur de Lys – Spend more time with the loved ones
Jehan – Resolutions are too much work
Gudule -Find my Baby
Notre Dame – Go to Church more

Helene Segara performing Bohemienne as Esmeralda Notre Dame de Paris picture image

Helene Segara performing Bohemienne as Esmeralda Notre Dame de Paris

(I use the French titles but included song she didn’t sing the original production)

What song that Esmeralda sings in Notre Dame de Paris is your favorite?

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