The Hunchback of Notre Dame musical gone?

[LadyBears]

http://waltdatedworld.bravepages.com/id211.htm

This show premiered at the Backstage Theater on June 21, 1996 to coincide with the release of the animated film. It was originally supposed to only run for a year, after which it was to be replaced by a Hercules show. This never came to pass and the Hercules Zero to Hero Victory Parade debuted instead. The Court of Miracles set was created with a mix of "found objects" by the gypsies. Runway ramps allowed the audience to feel that they were a part of the story.
Clopin and the Gypsies used puppetry (gypsies turned their cloaks into the curtains for the puppets), illusion and music to tell the story of Quasimodo and his love for Esmerelda. The gargoyles Victor, Hugo, and Laverne all made appearances, as well as Phoebus and the evil Judge Claude Frollo. The goat Djali was portrayed by a marionette. Matt Conover was the producer of the Florida version of the show. The Disneyland version of this show was called The Hunchback of Notre Dame Festival of Fools and it was different from the musical in Florida.
Performances of this 30-minute musical started being cut back at the end of 2001. Quasimodo was "Topsy Turvy" for the last time on September 28, 2002. Many guests were fond of the juggler named Matt who performed as a warm up for the audience before the show began. They will be happy to know that Matt can now sometimes be seen juggling at Disney's Boardwalk Resort.

 

[goofysgirl]

when we where at WDW 2weeks ago we went on the backlot tour. as we past castrophe canyon we went by the hunchback theater our guide on the backlot tour told us that the show had been closed and that it would be replaced by a stunt show. he also told us that this show is being added because it is a hit in DL paris, so they belive that it will be a hit in WDW too.

 

[currycook]

I'm surprised they have not had anything fill that showplace. I have been expecting something in its place but nothing has come yet.

Yes I agree with all those, it was a very good show.

 

[Beachangel]

I was also sad to see "Hunchback" leave. I never got tired of seeing it - the performances were wonderful. Personally I have no interest in a car stunt show, but there's always something for everyone!

 

[European]

Originally posted by Beachangel
I was also sad to see "Hunchback" leave. I never got tired of seeing it - the performances were wonderful. Personally I have no interest in a car stunt show, but there's always something for everyone!

I had no interest in the show either, when I first visited the Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris, but it really is a good show. I'm curious how the US version will be.

 

[northern michigan]

I agree! THe Huntchback show was fantastic! We really missed it when we were back last year. My dd's were very dissappointed. I don't get why they close these things down before they're ready to renovate or whatever. It was very sad to see that theatre so abandoned!

 

[Texowl2]

not being a particular fan of live shows, we saw this on a lark having walked by when it one was starting. Having seen it (and being a Hunchback fan, since seeing the premier in New Orleans), we never missed on future trips and it was one of the truly great shows we've ever seen. Only other show we've seen that we enjoyed as much was Lion King on broadway and Steel Magnolias here locally. Much better than B&B, which we've only seen twice in 8 trips back to 91. It's an absolute shame that closed it down....

 

[RIPaula]

As much as I loved Hunchback, I thought the "Pocahontas" show in this theater was even better! That had a pretty short life. Thought both faaar surpassed B&B , which was a pretty big disappointment.

 

[Beachangel]

Originally posted by RIPaula
As much as I loved Hunchback, I thought the "Pocahontas" show in this theater was even better! That had a pretty short life. Thought both faaar surpassed B&B , which was a pretty big disappointment.

OMGosh, I completely agree! There's not too many people who've seen "Pocahontas" since it was short-lived. My mom and I talk about that show every time we walk by the backlot theatre.

 

[robmpg]

They are renovating the entire street area, adding a Stunt Show and converting the street into Streets of America. The thetre is shuttered while the construction on those two attractions occurs.