The Hunchback Of Notre Dame – A New Musical
Last night Kathleen and I were invited to a private
fundraising introduction to the new musical “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” It’s from the new American Coast
Theater Company who’s producing director is Amick Byram. You’ll
remember Amick as the singing voice of Moses in the Dreamworks movie “The Prince of
Egypt.” He’s been on a great number of television programs and
co-starred with Glenn Close in the musical “Sunset Boulevard.” Amick
has linked up with Dennis DeYoung, front man of the legendary band Styx. Dennis wrote and
performed hits like “Come Sail Away,” “Lady,” and “Babe.”
Dennis wrote the music and lyrics for the show, and it will run at the ACTC
July 18 - August 10. The American Coast Theater Company is based at the
Lyceum Theater at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, California. The
music is incredible, and the Hunchback story is a classic story of love,
and sacrifice. In my opinion, this show has everything the power musicals
like Phantom had and more. If you have the chance, I would encourage you to
see it. You won’t regret it.
Amrick Byram has performed with Dennis DeYoung as select shows over the past several years, singing selections from the Hunchback musical. His familiarity with the material sould help him bring out the emotions of the characters and the music. Enjoy the show!
Hey Phil, This is very good news, indeed! Dennis DeYoung is also doing a premiere of the show at Chicago's Bailiwick Repertory Theatre in May. The cool thing about it is that Bailiwick is one of the most experimental theater companies in Chicago. He'll have a tough audience to win over, but the rewards are great! (Chicago audiences are very opinionated, however, they're also very open to taking chances with a new show.) And... Shows that become hits in Chicago, usually go on to Broadway. With the show playing in two different cities, it'll be a good chance to them tweek things, if need be. It must be very fun for you to be getting involved. Congrats. Enjoy the ride!