It's...another Hunchback interview

[sadie65]

http://www.southtownstar.com/entertainm ... ck.article

DeYoung writes his version of 'Hunchback'

May 2, 2008
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BY Betty Mohr, Correspondent

Dennis DeYoung's musical version of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," opening at Bailiwick Repertory in Chicago, was inspired by the former Styx rocker's experience in "Jesus Christ Superstar."

The singer, musician, composer and South Side native came up with the idea of creating a theatrical musical in 1993 when he was in the North American touring revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's epic rock musical.
» Click to enlarge image
Dennis DeYoung's musical version of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" tells the story from the point of view of Frollo, the priest, rather than Quasimodo.

Steve Johnston/Sun-Times News Group

'The Hunchback of Notre Dame'


When: May 19 through July 6, with preview performances beginning Thursday.

Where: Bailiwick Repertory, 1229 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago.

Tickets: $25 to $45

Phone: (773) 883-1090.

Web: www.bailiwick.org.

"I played Pontius Pilate, and as I sang Webber's songs I thought that I could do what Webber had done. I could write a stage musical, too," DeYoung said in between rehearsals for "Hunchback" at Bailiwick.

As the idea was formulating in his mind, DeYoung came upon a TV rerun of the 1939 film of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," starring Charles Laughton as Quasimodo, the misshapen bell ringer.

"It was around the time that 'Les Miserables' was the theatrical rage, and the idea of doing another Victor Hugo classic appealed to me," DeYoung said.

"After watching the video of the movie many times, I read the Hugo novel. I liked the important issues and the larger-than-life characters of the story and decided I could write a musical of it with some powerful songs."

The tale of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" takes place in 15th century Paris in the famous Gothic cathedral. The story centers on the love triangle involving Quasimodo, the deformed bell ringer; Esmeralda, the beautiful gypsy girl; and Frollo, the priest.

While most versions of the film are viewed from Quasimodo's perspective, DeYoung, a devout Roman Catholic, was fascinated by Frollo. In DeYoung's adaptation, he decided to focus on the priest.

DeYoung is known for hit songs that include "Lady," "Come Sail Away," "Brave New World" and "Mr. Roboto," as well as music he composed for films such as "Austin Powers in Goldmember," "The Perfect Man" and many others.

He decided to write the book, music and lyrics for his stage musical from a different point of view.

"This is Frollo's story. As I began to write it, I asked myself how a young priest -- who adopts a deformed child, raises him and keeps him in the church to protect him from the world -- ends up committing a heinous crime," DeYoung said.

"I explored his psyche further by asking why Frollo becomes so fanatical about Esmeralda? Is she so different from other women that the priest falls madly in love with her? Or is it that after 20 years of celibacy Frollo couldn't resist any woman?

"The main thing to understand about him is that he chose to live his life under certain rules and came to a point where he had to confront the life he chose, which is something we all end up doing, one way or another."

As he formulated the concept of the "Hunchback" musical, DeYoung began to imagine scenes for the show and songs that would fit the scenes.

The songwriter wrote 25 new ballads for the show, including romantic numbers such as "With Every Heartbeat," "Beneath the Moon" and "Paradise."

"I believe my Frollo is everybody's story," DeYoung said.

This priest is capable of great acts of kindness and terrible evil. He personifies one of life's most complex issues and the kind of duality of character with which everyone can identify."

Betty Mohr can be reached at bettybmohr@aol.com.

[chowhall]

DeYoung is known for hit songs that include "Lady," "Come Sail Away," "Brave New World" and "Mr. Roboto," as well as music he composed for films such as "Austin Powers in Goldmember," "The Perfect Man" and many others.

I'm sure Dennis isn't going to claim that one.

[Toph]

DeYoung is known for hit songs that include "Lady," "Come Sail Away," "Brave New World" and "Mr. Roboto," as well as music he composed for films such as "Austin Powers in Goldmember," "The Perfect Man" and many others.

I'm sure Dennis isn't going to claim that one.

Yeah that Brave New World....a serious SMASH!! I never stopped hearing that one on the radio....

Has it passed "Yesterday" yet as the #1 song all time in airplay?

[yogi]

I heard that Tommy is now claiming the classics Hip Hop & Great Expectations of the same smash CD.

[brywool]

I heard that Tommy is now claiming the classics Hip Hop & Great Expectations of the same smash CD.

*shudder*

seriously horrible song.