Theater Review: Regional debut of 'Hunchback' rings triumphant

Pat Walsh as Quasimodo in Upper Darby Performing Arts Center's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" Rachel Lombardo

The Upper Darby Performing Arts Center production of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" this weekend has prompted a couple of firsts: one, it was the first performance I've ever seen at the PAC, and second, this was the first regional production of the stage version off-shoot of the 1996 Disney animated musical. After the first "Hunchback" performance on July 28, I asked myself in amazement why I hadn't been to shows at the PAC before, then I wondered why more theaters weren't putting on this gorgeous, grandiose show. I couldn't answer the former, but the enormity of the production answers the latter.

"Hunchback" is an elaborate and big musical based on the Victor Hugo novel about the grotesque Quasimodo that takes place on a single 30-foot tall cathedral set that houses a 30-member chorus, features a stain glass impression and is decorated with large bells, kind of like the real Notre Dame in Paris.  At the helm for the Philadelphia-area premiere is the PAC's own Jeff Dietzler who is graced with having such a large venue to host the massive production and having all of the talent needed on- and off-stage to tackle the epic production.

Tina Fey Hosting Special 'Mean Girls' Screening in UD on August 16

Writer Tina Fey with "Mean Girls" star Lindsay Lohan

Tickets for the “Mean Girls” screening in Upper Darby featuring Tina Fey are still on sale and at a cheaper price.

Prices for the August 16 screening now range between $40 and $100 for seats in the 1,600-seat Upper Darby Performing Arts Center. Lauren Yacina, director of marketing for the PAC, said there are plenty of seats still available.

Fey will also host a Q&A following the screening with Damian Holbrook, senior writer of TV Guide Magazine, who will be moderating the Q&A.

All proceeds from the screening will go toward a $300,000 sound system for the PAC.

A 1987 alumnus of Upper Darby High School and the summer stage program, Fey drew inspiration from her days as a student for the cult classic film, and also adapting elements from the book “Queen Bees and Wannabes”.

“Mean Girls” was a box office success when it was first released, grossing $129 million internationally and injected such iconic phrases like “fetch,” “boo, you whore” and the “plastics” into everyday conversation.
 

Tickets may be ordered online at www.udpac.org, over the phone at 610-622-1189, or in person at the PAC box office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The screening starts  at 7:30 with the Q&A to follow.