Story in ‘Notre Dame de Paris’ true to Hugo’s novel

Joe Delaney

Friday, Jan. 21, 2000 | 9:50 a.m.

"Notre Dame de Paris" had its first performance sung entirely in English Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in Paris Las Vegas' 1,200-seat Les Theatre des Arts.

It is truly a musical spectacular, consisting of musical numbers, no spoken dialogue. None was needed. The lyrics and music tell the story from the standpoint of the Cathedral of Notre Dame 10 years before Columbus discovered America.

It is really the story of the fiery gypsy Esmeralda, raised by the leader of the refugees, Clopin. Three men both love or lust for her; Frollo, archdeacon of Notre Dame; Phoebus, captain of the king's soldiers; and Quasimodo, the deformed bell ringer, who does not lust for her and "claims" her in the end.

Quasimodo feels loyalty to Frollo, who saved him when, as a baby, he was abandoned on the steps of the cathedral. Phoebus is engaged to Fleur d'Lys, a young lady from a very reputable family.

If your memories are of the American film version with Charles Laughton as Quasimodo and Maureen O'Hara making her film debut as Esmeralda, leave those memories at home. They will get in the way of this plot, which plays more like a pop-rock opera minus heroes or heroines.

Esmeralda is closest to a free spirit desiring to harm no one. Her attraction to the handsome Phoebus is her undoing. Quasimodo, of good heart, makes his point when he sings "God, You Made the World All Wrong," telling the pain of his afflictions. Clopin, leader of the refugees, a good man, is killed when the refugees are turned away, asking Esmeralda to carry on in his stead.

Phoebus makes love to Esmeralda but ultimately betrays her at Fleur d'Lys' behest in order to be allowed to return to Fleur d'Lys.

Frollo, a man of the cloth in high standing, betrays his oath and his faith -- Victor Hugo's indictment of the Catholic Church -- as Frollo reneges on his promise of asylum to the refugees and allows Esmeralda to go to her death because she will not submit to him.

Knowing the plot and its denouement should help rather than hinder your enjoyment of the total spectacle because it is the singing and the dancing, the music and the lyrics, the choreography and an incredible company with outstanding sound, lighting, choreography, and stage design that puts "Notre Dame de Paris" in a league with "Phantom of the Opera," "Les Miserables" and other staged classics of this genre.

Wednesday's program did not indicate who played the principal roles. With exception of Devon May as Gringoire, a narrator, a poet-troubadour who lives by his wit, each of the other main roles lists two names indicating that two performances an evening, 7:30 and 10:30 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays, might be too demanding. The price is a reasonable $69.50 inclusive.

It should be noted that the English lyrics are by Oscar- and Grammy-winning songwriter Will Jennings, responsible for "My Heart Goes on (Love Theme From 'Titanic')."