With THE LION KING, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and more recently ALADDIN having found loving homes on Broadway, it is now the turn of THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME. Though it may not be heading to the bright lights of New York, a stage adaptation of the 1996 Disney classic will be performed at California’s La Jolla Playhouse from October 28th until December 7th.
But this isn’t the first time the Paris-set musical has been seen, starting out as a German production over a decade ago. 1999’s ‘Der Glockner von Notre Dame’ was directed by James Lapine – screenwriter of Disney’s upcoming INTO THE WOODS – and the House of Mouse are keeping it in the family with Scott Schwartz (son of songwriter Stephen) taking up the directing challenge. Lapine’s German book has been rejigged by The West Wing‘s Peter Parnell, with Smash‘s Josh Bergasse on choreographing duties.
Produced by special arrangement with Disney Theatrical, the success of ‘Newsies’ may have seen recent Disney domination, but there is no guarantee this adaptation of the Oscar nominated film will find itself headed to Broadway.
Source: L.A. Times
