Hunchback of Notre Dame -
A Musical by Dennis DeYoung
I first began work on the Hunchback while touring in Jesus
Christ Superstar in the summer of 1993.
I remember it clearly because while working on the first
three songs for the show we were hit by an earthquake that jolted us mightily
that day at the Fresno Hilton. The songs were Who Will Love This Child,
With Every Heartbeat and Hey Quasimodo. From that auspicious start I knew
immediately that I was creating something different from any of my previous
work. It still remains for me my greatest accomplishment as a songwriter.
It's first full production was in 1996 in Nashville Tennessee
at TPAC's Polk theater under the direction of Mac Pirkle. It received great
reviews. Working on the show that summer was creatively one the happiest
times of my life. The production was supposed to continue on it's next step
to Broadway but had to be postponed due to my illness. Timing is everything.
The next time I worked on the Hunchback was with David Zaks
at the Bailiwick Theater in Chicago in 2007. It was awarded the Joseph Jefferson
Award for best musical, an award I cherish as much as any I have ever won.
This includes my trophy for 2nd place finish for my little league team in
Roseland.
My favorite song is Esmerelda, it has the power to make me
weep like a little girly man. (Thanks Dana Carvey)
People I'd like to thank who helped me along the journey
which I hope is still not complete.,
Ed Tossing, Mack Pirkle, Eric Simmonson, John Morel, David
Zaks, Forbes Candlish and Mike Morris. Dennis
Buy the CD at The DeYoung Store or Print an Order Form |
