#lyric from heaven's light from hunchback of notre dame | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

imagines--galore · 2 years

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||Heaven’s Light||

Summary: Leonardo does not believe he is capable of being loved, given how he looks. Amal doesn’t believe so. And wants to make him understand that he, as well as his brothers, will one day find love.

Pairing: Leonardo x AmalOC (TMNT)

Rating || Genres || Warnings: No rating just a general. Slight Romance. Fluff. No warnings.

A/N: Yay! My first Imagine here! I hope anyone reading it likes it! I just want to try out how things go. I’m still setting things up on my page, but this song from The Hunchback of Notre Dame came on and I just couldn’t help but associate it with the Turtles, specifically Leonardo. Also I’m just adding this gif just because, I’m not really picking a Verse for when it comes to TMNT, because I love all versions of them:3 Enjoy!

What day went by when siblings did not argue amongst themselves? The Turtles may be mutants but it didn’t stop them arguing with each other. At least three of them were doing so at the moment.

“Amal said not to play it!” Donnie’s voice was a little stern as he spoke the words, glaring at his other two brothers. Raph snorted.

“Yeah well, since when have we listened to Amal?” He crossed his arms over his plastron. Mikey smacked his lips, tilting his head as he hummed in thought.

“Since the time we accidentally knocked her out in the process of saving her!”

Silence followed his words, as all three brother cringed at the embarrassing first encounter they had with the girl.

“..........Well I know it wasn’t me that did that.” Raph was quick to declare, having made the argument before. Donnie rolled his eyes as he briefly looked away from his computer screen to give his brother a look.

“We don’t know who it was. And I would prefer it stay that way. We wouldn’t hear the end of it if she found out which one of us did that.” He added the last part in a small grumble, knowing how persistent the girl could get. He shivered at the very thought. Mikey nodded in agreement as Raph scowled.

“I still stand by the fact that it was Mikey.” He muttered under his breath, earning a cry of indignation from his younger brother.

Leonardo, the only brother not participating in the argument, glanced up from his shell phone. He had been informing the girl of his brother’s arguments. “She says we can play it.” He called out to Donnie. Mikey let out a silent yes, wanting his curiosity to be satisfied, while Donnie quickly punched a few commands into the computer to play the audio.

“Hope it isn’t that infernal music she listens to all the time.” Raph muttered, recalling when Amal had made them listen to some operatic piece because she claimed that they needed a little but of culture in them. Leonardo smirked slightly at his annoyed brother, having enjoyed how much it had irked Raphael.

The song began as soon as Donnie pressed play. It was soft. Not at all like the music any of them listened to. And yet Amal always told them to focus on the lyrics, even if you didn’t understand them. And so the brothers, standing around Donnie’s work space, listened attentively. The lyrics made Leonardo frown a little, a suspicion forming in his mind as to why Amal would want them to listen to this particular song. It had barely ended when he heard Amal approaching them from the Lair’s entrance.

“Oh good! You listened to it already! What did you think?” She questioned, depositing her gym bag on a nearby couch and removing her jacket. Leo turned where he stood, his heart doing a little lurch when he saw her. It had been doing that for awhile now, and was something he considered normal. Her gaze was open and eager to hear what they had to say about the song, which made him pause for a brief second.

“Well you know me Amal. I prefer figuring out how a toaster works rather then understand the deep meaning behind a song.” Donnie joked, earning an eyeroll from the human. Mikey had already bounded his way towards the girl and slung an arm around her shoulders.

“Sweet choice as always Amal. It was amazing. Mesmerizing. Fascinating. Hypnotizing.” Raph cut him off.

“And we have no idea why you made us listen to it. Usually you have a reason.” Mikey nodded, looking a little bummed. “Yeah dudette. No idea.”

Amal chuckled lightly, opening her mouth to speak when Leonardo’s hand on her shoulder stopped her. “Can I talk to you for a minute?” Curious the girl nodded.

“You keep listening to that track. If you figure out the reason, I’ll order pizza!” The bribe made them a little more eager as they turned to the screen once more, Donnie already hitting play.

She quickly followed after the leader, singing the song softly under her breath as she came to stand in front of him, mirroring his stance as she looked up at him. She had to look up, he was a lot taller then she.

“Is this because of the conversation we had a few days ago?” Leo asked, not bothering to beat about the bush. Amal shrugged. “I guess you can say its one of the reasons.”

Leonardo sighed, his shoulders dropping as his posture relaxed and he gave Amal a resigned look. “And I told you to drop it.”

A week or so ago Leonardo had dropped by Amal’s place for one of their routine hang outs. Just the two of them. It was nice to just chat without the chaos of his brothers around. They’d been sitting on her darkened balcony when she had caught sight of a couple having a romantic dinner on their own balcony. With candles and flowers and champagne and music. While she had cooed over the romance of it all, Leonardo had scowled and been indifferent about it. She had been curious. And was enough of a nosy and persistent person to finally get it out of him.

Leonardo did not believe in romance. Oh he believed in love alright. He loved his family after all. But that was familial love. The kind of love the couple on the balcony had? That was something neither he nor his brothers could ever experience. Amal had protested, saying they were all some of the best people she knew. And Leonardo had looked at her, long and hard and so sad that words died on her lips.

What he said next felt like a punch to her heart.

“And who would love someone who looks like us? Who looks like me?”

Even now, standing in front of him, tears burned behind her eyes, but she blinked them back and reached out to lay a gentle hand on his forearm. Feeling the rough skin under her own smooth fingers, Amal smiled gently.

“Leo. If April, Casey and I can accept you guys as you are, who’s to say someone else won’t? Believe me when I say there is someone out there, who, I am dubbing an Angel, will accept you for you and love you for you.” Her heart doubled in speed as she spoke, pouring every bit of conviction she could into her words. “Green skin and shell and all.” She added with a teasing smile.

Leonardo continued to look at her, with an intensity that had her biting her lower lip nervously. Her heart raced in her ears, and she feared he could pick up the sound with his ninja skills. What she wasn’t aware of was the war raging within him as he wandered if he was perhaps beginning to see his friend in a whole new light. Finally, he broke their gaze and looked to where her hand rested on his arm, covering it with his own hand and giving it a squeeze. He didn’t need to say anything, Amal understood. “You’re welcome.”

With one last smile she slipped from his grasp and walked over to the other three brothers, who were now arguing about their ideas, each claiming he was right.

Leonardo stood where he was, watching her walk with the grace of the dancer that she was, silently wandering if perhaps she was the Angel she had just spoken of.

But then that would be too easy.

And life was never easy.

#leonardo x reader #leonardo x oc #leonardo imagine #tmnt #tmnt imagine #teenage mutant ninja turtles #teenage mutant ninja turtles imagine

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faunina · 3 years

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(i missed yesterdays upload, so there will be 2 today!)

i call this piece “Heaven’s Light” bc my brain wouldn’t stop singing that song while i was shading this. come join me in the corner where i Cry about my Soft Dean Winchester Emotions:

So many times out here I've watched a happy pair Of lovers walking in the night They had a kind of glow around them It almost looked like heaven's light I knew I'd never know That warm and loving glow Though I might wish with all my might No face as hideous as my face No man as terrible as I am Was ever meant for heaven's light But suddenly an angel has smiled at me And kissed my cheek without a trace of fright I dare to dream that she he Might even care for me And as I ring these bells tonight My cold dark tower seems so bright I swear it must be Heaven's light

#spn #supernatural #destiel #destiel anniversary #destiel fanart #castiel #dean winchester #ficta et picta #a personal blogging experience #I AM SO SOOOOOFT #I AM SO SOFT EVERY TIME I THINK ABOUT HEAVENS LIGHT (the song from hunchback of notre dame) NOW #like excuse me..... but i will DIE on the hill of 'romantic-at-heart Dean Winchester (who believes he is somehow inherently unlovable/#unfit for a loving romantic relationship)'#THAT IS MY SHIIIIT #literally ive been waiting all week to post this (wish i coulda done it yesterday. angel of thursday etc but whatever)#bc i was like. THE WORLD NEEDS TO KNOW. THE WORLD NEEDS TO KNOW THAT DEAN WINCHESTER HEAVENS LIGHT #now if any of u big brained sam girlies could also find a way to make 'Hellfire' about sam/ruby?? then wed be SET #(admittedly i already tried once and u would have to. SEVERELY change the lyrics for that one. i mean having sam go 'beata maria'#is very funny in an on-the-nose kinda way #and i DO think u could do sth with like 'maybe sam is a LITTLE doubtful about this path that ruby is leading him down on'#but like?? 'beata maria / you know i am a righteous man / of my virtue i am justly proud. / beata maria / you know im so much purer than /#the common vulgar weak liscentious crowd' from MY sam winchester????????? dont make me laugh. we need to re-engineer the whole Purity #conflict that lies at the heart of this song and turn it inside out to make it apply to sam #OKAY ANYWAY THIS HAS BEEN UR DAILY SCHEDULED GAY SPN BRAINROT

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augment-techs · 3 years

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Song Lyrics Writing Prompts:

Hey they found a body//Not sure it was his but they’re using his name; (Past the Mission, by Tori Amos)

Tell me that you’re still in love with that Milkmaid; (Father Lucifer, by Tori Amos)

Sometimes she’s a friend of mine; (Mr. Zebra, by Tori Amos)

Sleep-overs, beans, cats and pot//You’re only popular with anorexia; (Jackie’s Strength, by Tori Amos)

There’s a place called heaven and a place called hell//A place called prison and a place called jail//And da-da’s probably on his way to all of ‘em except one; (97’ Bonnie and Clyde, by Tori Amos)

And I rode along side, till the honey spread itself so thin for me to break your bread//For me to take your word//I had to steal it; (A Sorta Fairy Tale, by Tori Amos)

Yes I know what you think of me, You never shut up//Yeah I can hear that; (Silent All These Years, by Tori Amos)

And the greatest of teachers won’t hesitate–to leave you there, by yourself, chained to fate; (I Alone, by LIVE)

I liked the way my hand looked on your head; (Iris, by LIVE)

The confusion sets in//Before the doctor can even close the door; (Lightning Crashes, by LIVE)

You wrap your legs around me//All I can do to try and breathe; (The Dolphin’s Cry, by LIVE)

A million mile fall from grace//Thank god we missed the ground; (Run to the Water, by LIVE)

Who lit the candle that started the fire//Burnt down the fortress, the throne?; (They Stood Up For Love, by LIVE)

We hit a couch, the place was packed with sweaty palms//Sweaty thongs, and sweaty backs; (Deep Enough, by LIVE)

It’s always times like these, When I think of you//And I wonder if you ever think of me; (A Thousand Miles, by Vanessa Carlton)

My first time, hard to explain//Rush of blood, oh, and a little bit of pain; (White Houses, by Vanessa Carlton)

I went to pick her up//The tire had a blow-out, and my mom’s car got//Shot up; (Babysitting Blues, Adventures in Babysitting soundtrack)

The soul redeeming feature, or that little creature//Is that she’s alive; (The Corpse Bride Soundtrack)

And then, baby, everything…went…black; (The Corpse Bride Soundtrack)

When it comes to surprises in the moonlit night//I excel without ever even trying; (The Nightmare Before Christmas Soundtrack)

Lovers in love, and the other runs away//Lover is cryin’ ‘cus the other won’t stay//Some others hover, only weeping for the other//Who was dyin’ since the day they were born; (Stay, by Lisa Loeb)

Of my virtue, I am justly proud; (Hellfire, Hunchback of Notre Dame)

We set the world in motion//By reaching out for each others hand; (Eye to Eye, A Goofy Movie Soundtrack)

That’s our cue, boys//It’s time to go slummin’; (Brooklyn’s Here, Newsies the Musical)

Fairy tales live in me//Fables coming from my memory//Fantasy is not a crime; (Castle in the Sky, Nightcore)

Hello, teacher! Tell me, what's my lesson?; (Mad World, by Michael Andrews)

"Plenty of meat, but with no blood!"; (Lvího Krále Kytice)

Freak//Slut//Burn-Out//Bug Eyes//Poser//Lard-Ass; (Beautiful, Heathers the Musical)

Like the Huns invading Rome//Welcome to my school, this ain’t no high school//This is The Thunderdome; (Beautiful, Heathers the Musical)

Might still have voices in my head, but now they’re just the normal kind; (Voices in my Head, Be More Chill)

Somebody shine a light//I’m frozen by the fear in me; (Shatter Me, by Lindsey Sterling)

Hello again, Friend of a Friend; (Black Sheep, Metric)

Don’t fight, don’t lose your head//’Cus every night, who’s in your bed?; (Take Me or Leave Me, Rent)

You have invented a new kind of stupid//A damage you can never undo, kind of stupid; (Congratulations, Hamilton)

Because Prince Charming would never settle for you; (Lower Your Expectations, Bo Burnham)

Hot blonde, hot bod, Cheer Captain//Plus they were rich; (The Ballad of Sara Berry)

A sprinkle of Glamor, a dollop of Charm//Trading family secrets and recipes long as your arm; (Song of the Witches, SJ Tucker)

14 lads, so grave and so great, yet we 5 sisters with veils and with plates//Lay down a quilt on their tomb; (The Five Sisters, American Murder Song)

Somewhere where the road forks left and coils; (Mary, American Murder Song)

Love is a white room that cures every ill; (Sweet Rosalie, American Murder Song)

See me now, a ray of light in the moondance//See me now, I cannot leave this place; (The Willow Maid, Erutan)

Friendship dies, and true love lies//Night will fall, and the dark will rise; (When a Good Man Goes to War, Doctor Who)

What do I stand for, what do I stand for//Most nights I don’t know//Anymore; (Some Nights, the fun)

We're one of a kind, no category//Too many years lost in history; (Six, Six the Musical)

“The way I see it, your daddy should be leavin’ and you should stick around--and kill him”//”WHAT”//”Nothing.”; (Say My Name, Beetlejuice the Musical)

Eat, sleep, love, hate//Like a leaf floating in the wind//Watch them all vacillate; (They’re Only Human, Death Note the Musical)

Can you not feel the terror//Like a fire in the air; (Madame Guillotine, The Scarlet Pimpernel)

“I’ll live inside you forever!//With Satan himself by my side!”; (Confrontation, Jekyll & Hyde)

As different as the sun and moon is//This is the reality of my duality; (Jekyll & Hyde, Jonathan Thulin)

Do you love me?//I don’t know if I love you; (Do You Love Me, Maître Gims)

#writing prompts #ASK ME SOMETHING #boom! comics power rangers #mmpr #ggpr #soul of the dragon #the psycho path #power rangers RPM

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hebescus · 3 years

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∞

put a "∞" in my ask box and I'll shuffle my music player and give you my favorite lyric from the song that comes up

oh hi! ty for the ask waffle!

Heaven's Light from The Hunchback of Notre Dame Musical (Michael Arden)

I knew I'd never know that warm and loving glow

Though I might wish with all my might

No face as hideous as my face

Was ever meant for heaven's light

#i love the og but theres something abt this version that give me goosebumps every single time #i love his voice sm #whoa someone talk to me

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babyklovesmovies · 4 years

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I’ve been curating this for a while but I figured I’d finally share it, here’s my Widojest musical theater playlist that gives me all the feels and I play on repeat until Critical Role comes back into my life.

1. “You Were Always a Better Dancer Than Me, Astrid” -Autumn Orange

Just a good one to start things off featuring a moment where we first got that glimpse into our smelly wizard boys feelings for a blue tiefling.

2. “The Color of Your Eyes” -Daddy Long Legs

If you haven’t heard of the musical Daddy Long Legs, DEFINITELY check it out. I have a lot of songs from the musical on here because I get SUCH Caleb and Jester vibes from the two main characters. In this song I imagine Jester is writing in her journal to the Traveler and telling him all about the “blue eyed” wizard she just met.

3. “The Man I’ll Never Be” -Daddy Long Legs

“If I tell you the truth at least, would I lose your esteemed affection. Would you hate me and curse my name? I'd only have myself to blame” Caleb has always been terrified of Jester finding out about the full extent of his past and the murder of his parents/man he used to be mostly because he would risk never having her see him the same way again.

4. “Charity” -Daddy Long Legs

With this song I constantly am reminded of the “I’m the transmutation wizard but you’re the one who changes people...” moment. I mean you can just hear it in the lyrics “How easier it is to give than to let yourself receive. For what you have given me came out of the blue. What you have done for me I never could do. Charity. Just who is helping who?”

5. “I’m A Beast (Reprise)” -Daddy Long Legs

If Jester ever does find out, I imagine our self deprecating wizard boy would say something along these lines.

6. “The Secret of Happiness” -Daddy Long Legs

Just imagine this song paired with the Widogast’s Unicorn Hamster Amber moment and it will give you all the feels. “I've discovered, The secret of happiness is, All the stars that shine....That her happiness is more precious than mine...”

7. “Popular” -Wicked

Added for obvious Laura Bailey C2E2 2018 reasons ; ) Jester is giving our stinky wizard boy a makeover.

8. “Waving Through A Window” -Dear Evan Hanson

Caleb closes himself off from the world and from other people because he’s so afraid of hurting them like he did his parent’s but ultimately he’s hurting himself. “Step out, step out of the sun. If you keep getting burned. Step out, step out of the sun. Because you've learned, because you've learned...”

9. “If I Could Tell Her” -Dear Evan Hanson

Caleb was one of the first members of the group to really see through Jester’s happy go lucky front and notice the feelings Jester keeps hidden deep down. Think especially the “I think it is an act. She is an amazing woman but talent is different then happiness” moment when Jester is dancing by herself. “And he wondered how you learned to dance. Like all the rest of the world isn't there But he kept it all inside his head. What he saw he left unsaid If I could tell her.”

10. “Suddenly Seymour” -Little Shop of Horrors

Caleb has always been there for her waiting in the wings and I just also think of Jester with the “daddy left early, mama was poor” line. (Though on the contrary, The Ruby of the Sea is doing VERY well ;)

11. “I Know It’s Today” -Shrek the Musical

This is mostly a Jester song, Jester spent years shut up in her room like a blue Rapunzel. That can do a lot to a person.

12. “In My Own Little Corner” -Cinderella the Musical

Also another Jester song, while being shut up in her room, Jester’s imagination can still roam free. Who knew that her imagination would create a god? ;)

13. “Pulled” -Addams Family

Imagine Caleb singing this one, at the start of the campaign he was much more closed off but Jester’s perkiness can really rub off on a person and bring out the jokester underneath. Caleb is making more jokes and smiling more when Jester’s around. Though losing those defenses can be scary, especially when you have so much to protect with a past like Caleb’s.

14. “Who I’d Be” -Shrek the Musical

When I hear this song I immediately think of the moment when the others ask Caleb what he would have done after the Academy if he hadn’t met Trent and he wistfully mentioned how maybe he would have been a teacher with a lot of books and things to teach. But he doesn’t think he deserves such happiness.

15. “I Think I Got You Beat” -Shrek the Musical

Think of early Jester and Caleb when they would argue about dirtiness or the differences in how they view money. Also keep in mind the hard pasts they both have had to overcome to get to where they are now and how they aren’t as different as they would think.

16. “Heaven’s Light” -Hunchback of Notre Dame

My poor boy Caleb is “uselessly in love” with Jester but he never believes that he deserves Jester’s light. “I knew I'd never know, That warm and loving glow Though I might wish with all my might, No face as hideous as my face, Was ever meant for Heaven's light..”

17. “Unworthy of Your Love” -Assassins

Kind of in the same vein of the previous song, Caleb doesn’t believe he deserves someone as perfect and wonderful as Jester. Also, Jester as Squeaky Fromme pining after a cult leader like the Traveler seems pretty fitting ; )

18. “Evermore” -Beauty and the Beast

“I'll never shake away the pain, I close my eyes but she's still there, I let her steal into my melancholy heart, It's more than I can bear”. Jester just has that effect on people. You can’t hide your heart forever Caleb.

19. “Being Alive” -Company

As Caleb starts opening up to the group more, he grows more confident and starts thinking maybe he does want people in his life. Maybe he does deserve love. Also, think of Yasha as the rest of the company urging him along like the classic “Do you love her?” scene.

20. “That’s How You Know” -Enchanted

Yasha and Nott being the unlikely matchmakers nudging Caleb along to open up more about his feelings always makes me smile, against Caleb’s classic pessimism.

21. “Lost in the Woods” -Frozen 2

Think Caleb and the group searching for Jester all that time after she was kidnapped. Maybe insert Frumpkin instead of Sven. ; )

22. “What Do You Know About Love?” -Frozen the Musical

Jester was cooped up for so long she has no idea what love is supposed to be besides what she reads about in her smut books. With this song, just think about the moment when Caleb and Jester were discussing Jester’s feelings for Fjord and what being in love is about.

23. “Inside Out” -Gentleman’s Guide to Love And Murder

Think the “Frumpkin is stored in my heart...then you must have a really big heart!” moment. Jester sees the good person within Caleb and his enormous heart. “An oyster shell itself is unassuming, But look inside, you'll find a pearl The man who otherwise is unpresuming, May share the same blood as an Earl.”

24. “Shall We Dance?” -King And I

The waltz scene. That’s all I gotta say.

25. “I Could Have Danced All Night” -My Fair Lady

Caleb could have danced forever with Jester. I was hoping they would have a reprise at the party but no such luck.

26. “I See The Light” -Tangled

Again, the Widogast Amber Lights moment gave me MAJOR floating lights in Tangled vibes and I was HERE FOR IT.

Anyhoo, thank y’all for going on this musical journey with me. Word on the street is Critical Role might be coming back soon (but I hope they take the time they need to be as safe as possible). Until then I will continue to eat these small Widojest crumbs and play this song on repeat.

All credit for the cover art I referenced in the playlist goes completely to https://hla-rosa.tumblr.com/, please check them out!

#widojest #caleb widogast #jester lavorre #jester #caleb #critical role #musical theater #mighty nein #broadway #liam o'brien #laura bailey

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mrdantastic808 · 4 years

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The Hunchback of Notre Dame: Storytelling in Song

What makes a good song in a movie? Is it a catchy hook (like “Hakuna Matata” or “Colors of the Wind”)? Is it the character pouring out his/her heart’s greatest desire (like “Part of Your World” or “Let It Go”)? Is it the flashy colors and dance choreography (like “Be Our Guest” or “Friend Like Me”)?

Generally, a song serves one of two purposes: it either advances the story or reveals something about the character. Here’s a good litmus test: If you remove the song, does it change the movie? If the answer is no, the song serves no purpose. Songs like “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” or “Do You Want to Build a Snowman” tells a narrative through montage. Take them out, and the movie is missing a crucial timeline piece. Songs like “Belle” (aka “Bonjour”) and “Reflection” give us greater insight into the character’s head. We sympathize with the character and root for him/her because of this. This litmus test also demonstrates why a song like “Out There” works while “A Guy Like You” doesn’t.

A villain’s song works the same way. Some advance the story (such as “Poor Unfortunate Souls”) while others reveal the villain’s character (such as “Gaston”). Of course, some do both. A good example is Frollo’s song, “Hellfire,” from “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.”

According to author John Truby, “It is only by competing for the same goal that the hero and opponent are forced to come into direct conflict and to do so again and again throughout the story” (Anatomy of Story, 46). After Quasimodo helps Esmerelda escape from the clutches of Frollo, we see the desires of both our hero and villain shape with their songs. Both want Esmerelda, but for very different reasons. For Quasimodo, Esmerelda represents his desire to fit into society. He sings a soft song, “Heaven’s Light,” where he hopes to be loved by her. This is followed by “Hellfire,” where we get into Frollo’s mind. His goal up to this point has been to rid the world of “sin” (aka gypsies), but he’s now wrestling with lust towards Esmerelda the Gypsie.

Bridging the two songs together, and running parallel with “Hellfire,” is “Confiteor,” a Latin prayer of confession. This adds a layer to the song, bringing out the hypocrisy in Frollo. He cries out to Beata Maria (Virgin Mary), fooling himself into thinking he’s a man of God. He believes himself to be a pious man, yet he’s quick to judge darkness in everyone except himself. His refusal to take responsibility for his actions allows himself to be consumed by the fiery passions of lust. The song ends with chants of “Kyrie Eleison” (Lord, have mercy). Frollo is no longer the same person as he was at the song’s beginning. He literally turns his back on the silhouettes representing the “holy” war he thinks he’s fighting.

Instead, he chooses to fight for his selfish desires. And he’s on a collision course with Quasimodo as they compete for the same person.

One thing I didn’t notice as a kid was that the instrumentals for “Hellfire” are scattered throughout the movie. Now knowing the lyrics to this music changes the context of the movie’s experience. We first hear this in the opening song “Bells of Notre Dame” as the title card displays. In a way, it symbolizes Frollo’s darkness: He killed Quasimodo’s mother and raised the child in a gilded prison, isolating him from society by instilling lies. Quasimodo must overcome the “Hellfire” of prejudice and lies about his identity. In order to defeat Frollo, Quasimodo breaks free from the chains holding him down. As he’s accepted himself, he’s now ready to be accepted into society. The instrumentals play again to close the movie, but this time used to illustrate the hero’s triumph.

“Hunchback of Notre Dame” wasn’t a movie I watched often as a kid. I enjoyed it and watched it a couple of times, but it was overshadowed by iconic movies like “Aladdin” and “Lion King.” Revisiting this as an adult, I now realize how underrated this movie is. Sure, it’s not perfect, but there’s so many elements I used to overlook that I now have a deep appreciation for. “Hellfire” is one of them. It may be one of the greatest Disney villain songs of all times.

#movie analysis #the hunchback of notre dame #hellfire

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murroyilodel · 5 years

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HEAVEN’S LIGHT AND HELLFIRE - From The Art of The Hunchback of Notre Dame

The powerful dynamic of light and shadow find expression in several musical sequences. The most dramatic of these is designed around Quasimodo’s song, “Heaven’s Light,” and its dramatic counterpoint, “Hellfire,” sung by Frollo. The scoring for the number not only incorporates original instruments of the Middles Ages but also makes reference to the Latin Mass, chant, and Ecclesiastical themes. The sequence begins with Quasimodo entertaining sweet hopes that Esmeralda might, against all odds, harbor tender feelings for him. It addresses the pain and frustration that Quasimodo expresses in the novel, on glimpsing the terrible contrast between himself and Esmeralda. In the book, he says:

When I compare myself to you, I can’t help feeling sorry for myself, miserable monster that I am. I must seem like some kind of beast to you. As for you, you’re a sunbeam, a dewdrop, the song of a bird! But I’m something hideous, neither a man nor an animal, something harder, more unshapely, more trampled on than stone.

In the movie, he sings:

But suddenly an angel has smiled at me And kissed my cheek without a trace of fright I dare to dream that she Might even care for me And as I ring these bells tonight My cold dark tower seems so bright I swear it must be heaven's light ...

The camera swoops down through the cathedral where evening Mass is being celebrated, then, moving across the square, finds Frollo in a cold, sterile chamber in the Palace of Justice. Unable any longer to contain his turbulent passions for Esmeralda, he stands before a fireplace. In a hallucinatory chapter of of the novel titled, “Fever,” Frollo laughs

... hideously, then turned pale again as he considered the most sinister side of his fateful passion, of that corrosive, venomous, hateful and implacable love which had led to the gallows for one person and to hell for the other; she was condemned to death, he was damned.

In a wildly imaginative, unsettling sequence of the film, Frollo sings:

Beata Maria You know I'm so much purer than The common, vulgar, weak, licentious crowd Then tell me, Maria Why I see her dancing there Why her smold'ring eyes still scorch my soul ... Like fire, Hellfire ... This fire in my skin This burning desire Is turning me to sin

According to art director David Goetz, the moviemakers determined that “Hellfire” would be the one place where they would “very consciously retain the sexual tension around which the book seems to revolve.” As Frollo stands before a hearth, singing his confession of wild, obsessive thoughts for Esmeralda, whose scarf he caresses, the imagery becomes progressively more nightmarish, distorted, surreal. In the fireplace, Frollo sees visions of a lascivious, dancing Esmeralda. From beneath his feet spring rows of faceless, menacing, hooded, monk-like figures who unnerve Frollo, much as the hold statuary of Notre Dame had earlier. By the end of a sequence that marks the further disintegration of Frollo, he decides that Esmeralda will either succumb to him or burn at the stake.

Special effects supervisor Chris Jenkins says that suggesting the dancing Esmeralda in spectral form within the flames of a fire is “the essence of animation - moving shapes and flickers of light to so engage the audience that you suggest in their minds many things at once: a literal fire, a dance, a character, a feeling of sensuality.” According to Goetz, “In a sense, the third act of our movie is all about Frollo torching the city and countryside because he can’t face his feelings for Esmeralda.” Supervising animator Kathy Zielinski views the character as “someone who believes what he is doing is right when what he’s doing is evil.” Stephen Schwartz found the key to writing the “Hellfire” lyrics in Hugo’s prose and in his observation of contemporary society. The lyricist asserts that Frollo “projects his guilt onto others anytime he does something vile; to him, it’s Esmeralda who is making him feel the madness that consumes him.”

- hond disney tag

#the hunchback of notre dame #hunchback of notre dame #quasimodo #frollo #disneyedit #hunchback disney #long post #what's a poor queue to do?

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ashintheairlikesnow · 4 years

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this is a very important question. What disney song most suits your characters.

*blinks* *opens mouth* *slowly closes mouth again*

… you know what let’s do this

Danny: Recovery Danny would probably say Endless Night from the Lion King musical (I know that the night must end, and that the sun will rise - I know that the clouds must clear and that the sun will shine) and I See the Light from Tangled (all at once, everything is different now that I see you) also also also I’d like to add that captivity Danny would probably think of One Day from the Hunchback of Notre Dame, too

Nate: I Won’t Say (I’m in Love) from Hercules (Who d'you think you're kidding He's the earth and heaven to you try to keep it hidden, Honey we can see right through you) and Something There from Beauty and the Beast, tied (New and a bit alarming / who'd have ever thought that this could be?)

Bram: Poor Unfortunate Souls from The Little Mermaid (preferably the Tituss Burgess version - which if you have not heard it it’s right here and it’s AMAZING) (Poor unfortunate souls / go ahead, make your choice / I'm a very busy person and I haven't got all day / It won't cost much - Just your voice!) but Bram would tell you his Disney song is Can You Feel the Love Tonight? from the Lion King

Ashley: Friends on the Other Side from Princess and the Frog (You're in my world now, not your world / And I got friends on the other side)

Ryan: Why Should I Worry? from Oliver and Company more for the general attitude than the lyrics - and Shadowland from the Lion King musical for the general sense of sadness and determination to do what it takes for your family.

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detectivesplotslies · 5 years

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Yo idk why but when I hear heavens light/hellfire I imagine shuichi and tsumugi singing those songs respectively like shuichi walking around the school late @ night thinking out loud(I’m keeping it vague enough to whereyou can view it as romantically or him just never having a friend so supportive like kaede before) but then when his song finishes the camera pans down to where tsumugi is in the mastermind room in the library(the name escapes me) I imagine maybe Beata Maria is junko and mugi is-

-is “talking” to her or more or less a picture of the despair diva herself and she’s torn because the way things are going right now her big moment to shine as a writer doesn’t look too promising (maybe you could interpret her feeling somewhat guilty about what’s to come for kaede) but this all culminates into her being hit with a stroke of genius in the moment to frame kaede for murder idk this was just something I thought up on a whim but this wouldn’t be the first time I connected mugi n shu

—-

Sorry it took me so long to reply anon, I’ve been sick :’DAhhh that’s a cool simultaneous comparison of the two characters’ states in chapter 1 to be honest! Also I LOVE missing scenes/non-POV scenes and that’s what these are so THANK YOU anon!

Shuichi was on an upward swing in confidence with Kaede’s help, and with how little he saw of himself, Quasimodo’s lyrics do fit him. Also his idealizing of Kaede, who still had plenty of flaws, as an angel is a theme that continues throughout here. Someone’s reached out to him, but like in Hunchback of Notre Dame it’s a bad situation that threw them together. Still Shuichi’s taking it optimistically for now and trusting his new friennnnnd.

Aaaaaand for the other half oooh, man this is a good stark comparison because you’re right I think, at least from my headcanons, that Tsumugi was torn as what she was doing. Placing Junko as the the holy maria is really good symbolism for how Tsumugi sort of venerates the character and what she’s doing. How she justifies it. Thinking of framing Kaede as a way to end her meddling and all.

But, humour me a moment here. Let me say, I’d like to add to your feeling guilty about Kaede a bit to be a little more If this is her first time with this setup, this is Tsumugi steeling herself for a kill. A planned one, but first nonetheless. Could it be it was easier when it was written down, when the characters were concepts, not people? Could she really see Kaede as her character, her plot device again, after talking with her, laughing with her? She has to, of course, for this plan to work, for her motive to succeed. Maybe it’s how much I enjoy kaemugi that’s having me frame this as a one sided crush of Tsumugi’s on Kaede, but I think that makes for such a lovely mirror in the dilemma here.

Kaede’s brightness has given Shuichi confidence.Kaede’s brightness has given Tsumugi doubts.They both do what they have to do, as Kaede causes one to lose that confidence and the other to squash her doubts.Also mugi as frollo is great visually in my mind. Villain songs are so good haaaa.They’re both a touch too keen on executions, huh?

youtube

#ndrv3 spoilers #asks #lyrics #the hunchback of notre dame #heaven's light #hellfire #tsumugi shirogane #shuichi saihara #kaede akamatsu #thanks for the ask anon!#saimatsu #kaemugi #tagging those just in case since I kind of leaned into it #rambles #my content

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nicksilveirart · 5 years

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(SING!) Story Not Told, chapter 4 – You've Got A Friend in Me

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Click to read chapter 4:

Ash was tired, exhausted maybe. She didn't remember feeling like this before, not even that day that she stood awake for two days until her grades came. This was more tiring, and felt worst. She wasn't going to tell him anything, not today, and definitely not now, she just didn't want to be alone. Buster was standing right in front of her, and came closer.

"Can I?" She nodded. He embraced her, and she returned the gesture.

Neither knew for how long they held each other.

"I'm too tired to explain anything to you right now." He faced her. "Tomorrow, after the rehearsal, can we talk about it?"

"Your choice." He smiled. "Take your time. I just want to know one thing."

"What's that?"

"Is there a way I can hug you without getting stung?"

She giggled. "Put your hands through the quills, not over them."

He did as told. "Ah. Better, thanks." She laughed a little. "So, what do you want me here for, read you a bedtime story?" He said, teasingly. Ash stared at him.

"Very funny."

"Come on, you didn't ask me to stay just to have a cuddle buddy."

"Maybe I did."

He froze. "Wait, you serious?"

"No."

More laughter. Buster yawned.

"Listen kid, I'd love to sit here and just do whatever but I kinda got an appointment tomorrow and… It's important." He tried pulling away, only to be pulled back into Ash's arms.

"You told me to call you if I needed anything. You can sleep here, there's plenty of space. I just…" She sighed. "I don't wanna be alone."

He gave her a tender smile. "You aren't. I'm here with you." She was clinging onto him as if her life depended of it. He couldn't help but wonder what'd make a teenager as tough as Ash turn into an emotional wreckage such as this. He had a clue, but didn't know for sure. But whatever it was, he was more than willing to help her overcome it.

"It's okay… What happened, is going to be okay. So let's get you to bed, okay?" She nodded. He took her to her room and gently laid her down, sitting down by her side.

"So, once upon a time there was a couple of siblings…" She laughed and punched his leg softly.

"Stop it."

"When would I get another chance?" He chuckled. "Comfortable?" She gave him a nod. "Good. I'll be out there at the couch if you need me. Good night."

"Good night." She accompanied the movement of the door until it was completely shut, and went to sleep.

Buster, on the other hand, took a long time to fall asleep. Not because laying on the couch literally felt like resting upon quills; he was rehearsing in his mind what he'd say to Nana when he met her the following morning. It was easy. He'd go in there, be flattening, and hopefully get out with $100 grand. Must be change if you have millions. He thought, wryly. He took off his shirt and tossed it to the ground, adjusting himself at the less-than-comfortable couch.

In the middle of the night, a loud crashing sound startled him awake. Something out at the streets. He dragged himself to the window. Bad car crash just outside the block. Seemed like a fight was close to erupting. He shut the window and closed the blinds, turning just in time to see Ash standing in the doorway.

"This is normal around here, it's not exactly the best part of town."

He laughed. "It is just a fine part of town, Ash. Depends of how you look at it. Plus, I am awaken very easily…" He started scratching his ears. She laughed. "I think I am a light sleeper."

"Yeah, that's probably the case."

Buster smiled. He was finally coming to terms with her. And Ash had to admit, when he wasn't trying to get her to sing pop songs or wear a dress, he was a pretty funny guy. He was a funny guy, and he was shirtless. She blushed. He quickly covered himself.

"Sorry!" He said, holding his shirt against himself. "I sleep like this at home and I kinda, well…"

"I-It's fine." She turned away. Why does he look kinda good? She thought to herself.

"I'm just gonna…" He laid down at the couch. "Go back to sleep."

Silence.

"It feels like a rock there." He turned. She shrugged. "I gotta double bed in there, if you want to maybe sleep there…"

He froze. "With you?"

"It's not like we gotta engage into anything." She said, matter-of-factly. "It's just so you don't walk like the Hunchback of Notre Dame tomorrow."

"That's a nice movie." He stood up. "Okay, offer taken."

Not too long after, both laid in a bed, staring at the ceiling, and not knowing what to do or say. She was starting to think this wasn't the best idea, but she wasn't going to ask him to leave.

"Have you even written a song?"

She turned. "What?"

"Songs. You have any?"

"No, not yet…"

"Hm. You should write."

She sat in silence for a little while, then turned to him. "Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why do you think I should write?"

"I don't know… You kinda seem like you got a lot of story to tell. Just a thought."

"I kinda co-wrote a song. But that was a long time ago…"

"What was it about?"

"Freedom. My friend gave me a melody, and I wrote the lyrics."

"Is it a good song?"

"You tell me." She was about to grab her guitar. He stopped her.

"I trust your opinion. Is it a good song?"

"No, it was plain… I don't know, dramatic and cliché."

"Doesn't make it a bad song." He smiled, getting off the bed and picking her guitar up. "Play it. Got the key?"

"Kinda, it's somewhere here- Wait. What do you want with the key?"

"Guess." He winked, picking up an old guitar that was sitting there.

"No."

"Yes."

"No."

"Yes. I played in a rock band in my teen years. I was the guitarist."

"You, in a rock band?"

"What, don't I look like a rocker?" He posed. She laughed.

"Oh my god." Her mouth was agape. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. "You play something."

He laughed. "I don't remember much, Ash. Plus, I only played a punk song once, and it was because my friend begged me to do it."

"Play anything."

"I'm gonna play a very old song."

"Fine by me."

He cocked a brow, tuning the guitar. "If you want me to play, you'll have to play." She nodded. He then proceeded to play The Donkey Brothers' Listen to The Music. Just the few broken parts he remembered from playing with his friends when they had free time. He finished, and put the guitar down.

"Nice voice."

"Thanks. Your turn." He smirked. She froze.

"Been a while since I last played this."

"It's been twenty two years since I last grabbed a guitar, and will you look at that." He winked.

After playing a few notes on the guitar, she hummed along with a song she called 'Freedom is a Voice'. At the end, Buster couldn't believe what he had just heard. She was a great composer, and had a voice that'd go with any genre.

"Wow." She blushed a bit, and thanked heavens the room was dark. "You got a beautiful voice."

"Thanks, Mr Moon."

"Buster. Save Mr Moon for the theatre." He winked. "We should be sleeping."

"It's 2:30 in the morning. Night's young!"

"But this koala ain't!" He mocked. Both laughed.

"You know… Outside the theatre, you're a funny guy."

He laughed and bowed. "Thank you very much. And you are a sweetheart outside the theatre, mind I say." She laughed, then came closer to him. "Ash."

"Let it happen." She gave him a soft kiss. He rested his hands on her sides, gently holding her back.

"Ash, this is wrong."

"There's no one here besides us."

"I can get arrested."

"No one will know about this." She tried kissing him again, but was stopped.

"You know what? I think you had a rough rough day today, and are about to do something you'll regret later."

"You're right. I had a terrible day. And it would be nice to add something good to it."

"Not if it is something we both regret later."

"Are you going to regret it?"

"Well, when I'm sitting at my cold and dark jail cell I may regret it." She rolled her eyes.

"Nobody has the keys to here and all windows are closed."

"You'll also regret it, Ash."

"I won't."

"Listen… Have a good night of sleep, okay? None of us is fine enough to make any decisions right now, you had a couple shots, I had a couple shots, and I'm not about to take advantage of you. I need… To think."

There was a remarkable pause before she replied.

"After you return the kiss."

"Excuse me?"

"After, and if you return the kiss I lay it down until tomorrow." She leaned in again. Altho reluctant, Buster shyly kissed her back. She sat on his lap, and rested both his hands at her waist. After a while, they pulled away, and connected foreheads.

"Ah. This was good."

"In a… Weird sorta way, maybe." She was gently rubbing his back. He groaned. "That feels good."

She smiled. "I used to do this to my brother to calm him down."

"You have a younger brother? That's nice."

"Yeah, I miss him. I wish I could visit him without my parents finding out."

He gave her a sympathetic look and planted a kiss on her cheek. She blushed and looked up at him. He shrugged. "We went farther."

"We did."

He then embraced her. She pecked his neck. "Hey."

"Come on…"

"Ash, don't do this right now."

"It's just kissing, it's not like you're taking away my first kiss or something." He was going to protest, but got pinned in the bed.

"Oh my god." He covered his face. "Ash, you're old enough to be my daughter!"

She shrugged. "So?"

"Ha! So? I'm the only one feeling awkward?"

"Pretty much." She started gently massaging his shoulders. "Relax. If I hadn't told you my age, it wouldn't matter now." She kissed his neck. He tensed, and held her back.

"Tomorrow. You said you'd lay it off until tomorrow if I kissed you. Don't rush it… Think about it, and let me think about it, okay?"

She let out a defeated sigh, then laid down next to the koala, who hugged her close.

"Don't be like that."

"It's okay." She said faintly.

"I'm going to ask you something, and you reply if you want to."

His voice was unexpectedly serious. "Say it."

"It's about a boy. Isn't it?" She didn't answer. He sighed. It was right at your face, Buster. Why else would anyone kiss you? He was her perfect outlet from the situation, and he knew it.

"Sleep tight." He muttered, gently pecking her forehead. "Tomorrow when you wake up I'll probably be gone to my appointment, and rehearsal is in the afternoon."

"Where are you going?"

"I'm going to get the pri- get a loan. To pay for some repairs at the theatre." He lied, "Since someone destroyed my window."

She was running her fingertips at his bare chest, and chuckled. "Hey, I can point a hundred things you should fix before that."

"That's all? I can point two hundred." He smirked. "But no one's gonna lend money to a koala which seemingly spent the night playing cards."

"Silly."

"When occasion requires." He turned off the light. "Night, Ash."

"Good night… Buster."

Both drifted off to sleep in each other's arms.

A/N: Freedom is a Voice is actually a song by Bobby McFerrin, but I thought about an escapee Ash living in the streets composing and thought "eh, why not?" As done with Zootopia, bands get different names in the Sing universe here, and yes, the song Buster sang was The Doobie Brothers' Listen to the Music. I like the ship, but I do like it classy. Sorry leaving you Bustash fans so unsatisfied, but as you can guess, of COURSE some more romance will happen. XD

#story not told #sing #sing movie #sing 2016 #sing2016 #sing bustash #bustash #oc #sing fanfic #sing fanfiction #sing buster #sing ash #sing oc #ash #buster #buster x ash #ash x buster

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neverwither-a-blog · 6 years

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Disney / Musical Songs about your Muse!

pick 5 or 10 songs from various Disney movies/musicals that define your muses aesthetic, this can be instrumentals or lyrical pieces (ie. fantasia or short films)

When Will My Life Begin ; Tangled

You’ll Be In My Heart ; Tarzan

Remember Me ; Coco

So This Is Love ; Cinderella

Kiss the Girl ; The Little Mermaid

Honor To Us All ; Mulan

Whistle While You Work ; Snow White

Sally’s Song ; Nightmare Before Christmas

Tears To Shed ; Corpse Bride

Heaven’s Light/Hellfire ; Hunchback of Notre Dame

Tagged by: @noblecne

Tagging: @rosesxnxvodka, @flawsinourcxde, @deviatingsoftware, @softestware, @fandomsmj, @spiderpcter, @ihavenoside, @elijahempatheos, @grizzlydetective, and anyone else who sees this

#¯\_(ツ)_/¯#•Hair of Gold; Heart of Gold | About•#•Picture Perfect | Aesthetic•#I chose Honor to us all solely for the line 'boys will gladly go to war for you'#bc it reminded me of my 'Chloe is like Helen of Troy' post #lol #( dash games )

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drakorn · 6 years

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Disneys The Hunchback of Notre Dame Review (Stuttgart)

Hey guys! So I have FINALLY managed to actually see Disneys The Hunchback of Notre Dame on stage. I love the story in general, the novel is as complex and morally grey as Les Miserables and the Disney version is my favourite Disney movie after Beauty and the Beast. I have listened to the cast recording of the original stage version with Drew Sarich multiple times and was gutted that I would never get to experience this live. When it was announced that this piece would not only be performed again but also get a major restructuring that would make it more similar to Victor Hugo’s novel in many aspects while still keeping the epic Disney score, I was THRILLED to say the least. I watched a bootleg of the US version and was so excited. When it was announced that it would play in Germany, I was SO happy And when I actually held the tickets in my hand, I was in Heaven. So, last Thursday, while everyone was enjoying their Easter preparations, I was sitting in the Apollo theatre in Stuttgart, waiting for the show to begin. And what can I say? I absolutely loved it from beginning to end. It is SO different to both the Disney film and the original stage version. But I think that was only for the best. Now, from this point onwards, this review is full of spoilers. Most people will probably know all of those spoilers already but I’m just playing it safe.

Differences to the Disney Movie

- Claude Frollo got a MAJOR character update. The stage version completely abandons the cold and diabolical minister of justice from the movie and replaces him with a much more book-accurate version. He is, once again, the archdeacon of Notre Dame, the essential head of Church in Paris. This gives his struggle so much more weight and the song “Hellfire” becomes SO much more powerful. And to top it all off, he is not truly evil in this version but a very conflicted and even tragic character. There are moments where he legit shows compassion to both Quasimodo and Esmeralda but ultimately tries to cling on to his religious beliefs. I couldn’t totally hate him like I did in the movie.

- Speaking of Frollo, his younger brother Jehan, who is completely absent from the movie, is actually brought back into the stage version. While he doesn’t have such a crucial role like he did in the book, he serves as a major character motivation for Frollo. As children, they grow up in Notre Dame but Jehan gets banished eventually because he brought a gypsie woman into the cathedral. Years later, Frollo finds Jehan on his deathbed. In his dying moments, Jehan gives Frollo his child, Quasimodo, to care for. Yeah, that’s something that neither happened in movie nor book but it’s an original idea. I’m not sure how to feel about it but oh well, it’s there. However, by making Quasimodo and Frollo actual blood relatives, the stage version already creates a deeper bond with them. Rather than taking him out of fear of damnation and evil scheme plotting like in the movie, in the stage version, Frollo takes the child out of guilt for his brother’s death and pledges to raise him. At first, he is repulsed by the deformities and even considers killing the child, but he quickly pulls himself together and, completely in-line with his religious beliefs, decides to raise Quasimodo because he sees the baby as a personal test.

- The three Gargoyles from the movie are completely gone here and so is the song “A Guy like you”. Instead, Quasimodo is communicating with a Greek Chorus of saints, bells and gargoyles, and all of them are figments of his imagination. He is basically talking to the spirit of the cathedral itself. I find this MUCH more interesting as it gives us a lot of insight into Quasimodo’s psyche.

- Speaking of the Greek Chorus, a lot of the story is told through the chorus. The entire performance looks like a group of storytellers in a medieval theatre performance simply retelling the events of the musical. All of the actors are dressed in grey cloaks in the beginning and gradually reveal their character appearances throughout the play. This is something no Disney musical has done so far. This is an entirely new level of mature storytelling.

- We actually get a proper Victor Hugo ending, and I mean ALL THE WAY. Everyone who dies in the book dies in the stage version. Esmeralda dies shortly after being rescued by Quasimodo because her lungs were too damaged by the smoke of the pyre. Frollo dies because Quasimodo finally breaks down and throws him from the roof of the cathedral. Quasimodo dies because he lost the will to live, found Esmeralda’s corpse and embraced her until he starved to death. They brought in the line of the two skeletons and almost entirely quoted it directly from Hugo’s novel. This is DISNEY, may I remind you. It’s marketed as a DISNEY musical. THIS is not what you would expect from Disney at all and I LOVE it. And yes, to answer @3andastra3 ‘s question, I had tears in my eyes at the end. The original book ending, accompanied by Alan Menken’s fantastic music and Stephen Schwartz’s perfect lyrics was just a match made in Heaven.

The Songs

Act 1

Olim: I like this introduction quite a lot. It’s entirely sung by the choir. The slow build-up to the Bells of Notre Dame beginning immediately sends shivers down your spine.

The Bells of Notre Dame: I do prefer this version to the one in the movie. Instead of focusing on Frollo’s hatred for the gypsies and killing Quasimodo’s mother like in the movie, we get a full backstory for Frollo. It explores his life with Jehan, his religious views, explains his hatred for gypsies as his brother got banished because he brought one into the cathedral and forms a much more compassionate bond between him and Quasimodo.

Sanctuary: It’s almost the exact same as in the movie but the difference is that Frollo actually comes across as protective and compassionate here, as if he ACTUALLY tries to protect Quasimodo from the cruel world.

Out There: Perfection, just perfection. I don’t really know which version I prefer since both movie and musical are great. But in the stage version, it actually comes across a bit more tragic because of the more mature tone. No talking Gargoyles here, just figments of Quasimodo’s imagination. He is actually properly alone here.

Topsy Turvy: REALLY like this version. There is so much festive dancing and cheering and Clopin comes across as more pirate-esque here than in the movie, meaning, a bit more like a joking scoundrel.

Rest and Recreation: Phoebus finally gets a song, unlike in the movie. Already here he has a deeper character than in the movie as we get to see glimpses of war PTSD. He remembers sieges and rotting wounds of dead and dying men (that is a legit line from this Disney musical). And the melody itself is quite catchy.

Rhythm of the Tambourine: Esmeralda’s introduction song. It’s basically the same thing as in the movie, but this dancing is actually accompanied by singing here. And I like the trio of Quasimodo, Frollo and Phoebus singing about their first impression of Esmeralda at the same time. While Quasimodo and Phoebus see her dancing as angelic, Frollo sees it as hellish. Love that contrast.

Topsy Turvy Reprise: This is the part with the king of fools crowning. It’s interesting how Esmeralda is the one urging Quasimodo to enter the contest. She isn’t directly repulsed by him but instead encourages him to feel good about his appearance for a day. This MASSIVELY backfires and she immediately helps him recover. This is also a part where we get to see the more villainous side of Frollo as he allows Quasimodo to be publically humiliated and whipped in order to teach him a lesson about the cruel world, that’s pretty dark if you think about it, Disney.

Sanctuary Reprise: Frollo uses Quasimodo’s humiliation as evidence for his teachings about a wicked and cruel world. He is a HUGE hypocrite here as he actively allowed this to happen in the first place but from a certain point of view, you can actually see why he did it: to ensure Quasimodo would never leave again, probably for his own good? Who knows?

God help the Outcasts: Beautiful. The way the choir is incorporated here is truly magical, especially how it all rises up during “I ask for God and his angels to bless me.” I prefer this to the original version, also due to the scene with Frollo and Esmeralda before that: This is one of the scenes that suggest he might be feeling genuine affection towards her and not just pure lust. She says something that reminds him of Jesus and from this moment on, he tries to get her to stay in the cathedral. He doesn’t want to imprison or kill her like in the movie, he wants to teach her in the ways of the church, willing to put his gypsie hatred aside for her. However, there is also this very creepy undertone that, in turn, DOES hint at lust. And we must not forget that age gap...

Top of the World: A very cute song between Quasimodo and Esmeralda in the bell tower. Quasimodo cannot even comprehend that someone might be kind to him apart from his master. By the end of this song, they both share a friendly moment without any fear. They are just having fun. And this makes the entire scene so heartwarming.

Thai Mol Piyas: At first this song might come across as a bit of a filler, but it actually has a very good purpose: It deepens Frollo’s obsession with Esmeralda as he walks the streets at night to find the gypsies and some of the guards, including Phoebus, having a party in a tavern. This scene also progresses Phoebus and Esmeralda’s relationship as they share a passionate kiss in the middle of the party. And the song itself actually is quite catchy!

Heaven’s Light: I really like the way they incorporated it into this stage version. Since there are no annoying Gargoyles but rather a sophisticated chorus, the song feels a bit more mature. I can’t really pinpoint whether I like the movie version or the stage version more. Both are equally good!

Hellfire: OK LET’S TALK ABOUT HELLFIRE. This has always been my absolute favourite Disney villain song. And boy, did they kill it with this version. While the movie version is much more spectacular and bombastic with the fire and the hooded figures, the stage version is much more subtle and internal. Frollo is on his own on an empty stage and starts the song as a quiet prayer, which slowly descends into raging madness and obsession. The background choir, which is present throughout the entire show, provides the “Mea Culpa” lines here. As Frollo further descends into madness, the entire stage is illuminated in a red light, including the choir, smoke begins to rise up under Frollo and he spreads out his arms like a cross. SO GOOD. Also, the choir joining Frollo in the “Choose me or your pyre” bit was fantastic. This scene alone shows why having Frollo as the archdeacon is so much more powerful. Rather than being a judge who believes in the church, he essentially IS the representation of the church in this musical. Him being the archdeacon and singing this song just adds so much more layers. And it really makes his struggle and conflict seem bigger. Loved this scene, one of my favourites in the show.

Esmeralda: The Act 1 finale. The best way I can describe is “Disney’s answer to ‘One Day More’”. There is so much going on in this song: Frollo speaking to the king of France and getting permission to hunt for Esmeralda, Phoebus defecting after refusing to burn down a house, Frollo stabbing Phoebus and blaming it on Esmeralda (which...I don’t know...I thought it seemed a little out of character for this version of Frollo to do so, yes he was cruel and a hypocrite, but I didn’t see him as a liar), Frollo setting fire to Paris, and then having Quasimodo, Phoebus and Frollo, all at the same time, sing about their feelings for Esmeralda. To top it all off, it finishes with a “The Bells of Notre Dame” reprise. What a way to end an act. This, along with Hellfire, are my favourite act 1 moments.

Act 2

Entr’acte: This piece is entirely performed by the choir. Two minutes of straight up latin chanting. I couldn’t ask for a better way to open up act 2.

Flight into Egypt: This is pretty much the replacement for “A Guy like you”. And it works so much better. Quasimodo uses the figments of his own imagination, including St. Aphrodisius, who has a VERY cool decapitated head effect integrated into the costume. Esmeralda gives him a map of Paris and through this song, Quasimodo figures out how to find the court of miracles. The music is lovely and it’s great to see Quasimodo be this optimistic for once.

Esmeralda Reprise: A short song where Frollo essentially tries to get the truth out of Quasimodo. This is the first time where Quasimodo openly lies to him. This is also a scene where we get to see Frollo’s more villainous side as he manipulates Quasimodo into leading him to the court of miracles, as we find out later on.

Rest and Recreation Reprise: This is the song where Quasimodo and Phoebus reluctantly team up to find Esmeralda. It’s nice to hear Phoebus’s intro song again with this context. He started off as a womanizer but now truly fell in love with Esmeralda and using the same melody to underline that was quite effective.

Court of Miracles: This is probably one of the only times where I prefer the original movie version to the stage version melody-wise. The movie version is fast, urgent and has a sense of menace to it. The stage version is more subtle and slower in pace. However, Clopin’s character is more sympathetic in the stage version. Rather than wanting to kill them out of joy and fun like in the movie, here he does so because he wants to protect the gypsies and can’t have outsiders knowing of their location. And rather than having the comical “Why didn’t they say so?” when Esmeralda saves them, in this version Clopin chastises Esmeralda for befriending people who are closely associated with Frollo. I like the melody of the movie more but I prefer the stage version’s message.

In a Place of Miracles: This is a love duet between Phoebus and Esmeralda. It’s very heartwarming throughout the first half where Phoebus decides to go with the gypsies and stay with Esmeralda. But it becomes a tearjerker in the second half. First, Quasimodo sings a gut-wrenching “Heaven’s Light” reprise in which he states that he will always be alone and comes to terms with Esmeralda never being his. Then we get Clopin singing about how his people are always outcasts and that “Romani again must roam.” What started off as a nice love duet turned into a heartbreaking ensemble number and I really appreciate it.

Justice in Paris: Frollo arrests the gypsies, except Clopin, who escapes in time. Esmeralda’s pyre has been prepared and everyone locked up. A hopeful scene turned dark in a matter of one minute. Frollo truly has descended further into darkness and madness here as he proclaims his disappointment for Quasimodo and has him chained up to witness Esmeralda’s execution. That is PRETTY dark, Disney!

Sanctuary Reprise II: Yeah, we have another one of those. But this time it’s EXTREMELY creepy. Frollo proclaims his “love” for Esmeralda and actively attempts to sexually assault here in her cell. And no, it’s not just hinted at, it’s actually shown on-stage. Disney is really going all out in this piece. Whoever says they haven’t got the courage to properly highlight dark themes should watch this musical.

Someday: This is a very sad song and beautiful at the same time. It was originally supposed to be in the movie but got cut because it was too emotional. And I can see why. Esmeralda is fully aware that she is going to die in a matter of hours and as it dawns on her, she breaks down and starts to cry. Phoebus is there to comfort her but both of them know that they can’t do anything to stop it. The only way out for Esmeralda would be to submit herself to Frollo and that is never going to happen. The lyrics are also very relevant to today’s world and still manage to induce hope for the future. I absolutely love this song.

While the City slumbered: A nice and menacing transition song back to Quasimodo that perfectly sets the stage for the finale.

Made of Stone: This is Quasimodo’s other big number. And it’s also a very heartbreaking one as he vows to never feel anything again and pretty much gives up on his life. He abandons the chorus and the voices in his head cease to be for the time being. And the line “His [Frollo’s] words were cold as stone...but they were true” is especially haunting because it somehow makes sense. Everything Frollo told Quasimodo about the outside world has, in fact, come true. But Quasimodo ultimately fails to see the positive things that happened to him as well. This is how far Frollo’s emotional abuse of Quasimodo has gone by now. The sad thing is that this version of Frollo probably genuinely believed that he was being a good father figure and didn’t see the negative aspects his parenthood inflicted on Quasimodo. But holy shit, the music, the lyrics, this is definitely one of the highlights of the musical.

Finale: There is SO much going in the last ten minutes of the show! It starts off with Frollo offering Esmeralda one last chance of freedom. She spits in his face and he sets the pyre ablaze. Quasimodo ultimately breaks free of his chains and rescues Esmeralda, Phoebus gets rescued by Clopin, Frollo negates the laws of sanctuary, the soldiers barge in the doors of Notre Dame and Quasimodo pours molten lead over them! And all of this is accompanied by Latin chanting, culminating in a “The Bells of Notre Dame” reprise when the molten lead is being poured on the soldiers (that red curtain effect was wonderful). Then we get an “On Top of the World” reprise before Esmeralda ultimately dies of smoke inhalation. This is the part where everyone is fully aware that this is not going to get a Disney happy ending. Esmeralda dying in Quasimodo’s arms after calling him a good friend and Quasimodo not realising it until a few moments after is one of the saddest Disney scenes ever. Then we get one of the most villainous but also one of the most tragic scenes with Frollo. He sings a quiet “Esmeralda” reprise and tries to comfort Quasimodo by stating that she made her own choice and that now things will “get back to normal”. He fully believed that what he was doing was the right thing and actually shows some remorse over Esmeralda’s death. He tells Quasimodo that he could have given her love (which is all sorts of unsettling), and then we get one of the saddest scenes between the two: Quasimodo asks Frollo to tell him who he had ever loved in his life. Frollo looks at him and for one moment it looks like he wants to say Quasimodo’s name but he stops mid-sentence and talks about his brother Jehan instead. This once again shows how Quasimodo is the only thing that reminds Frollo of Jehan and that deep down he still has love for his brother and nephew, despite committing all of those evil deeds. Quasimodo ultimately breaks down and attacks Frollo. The spirits of Quasimodo’s parents (Jehan and Florika, the gypsy woman Jehan once brought into the cathedral) recite Frollo’s “The wicked shall not go unpunished” line, as Quasimodo carries Frollo to the edge of the roof. Frollo, terrified, pleads Quasimodo to let him go and says that he doesn’t want to truly hurt him. This is where the chorus comes back and ominously whispers “Yes, you do.” This sent chills down my spine. Quasimodo picks Frollo up and throws him down the roof to his death. It gets even more heartbreaking when the reprises of “Sanctuary”, “Out There” and “Olim” start playing. Quasimodo picks up the dead Esmeralda and walks out of the cathedral. And finally, the people accept him and reveal that all of them have imperfections. While Quasimodo’s deformity is on the outside, everyone else has hideous parts inside. And if THAT isn’t sad enough, we get a “Someday” reprise by the chorus, which ends with the actor of Quasimodo stepping out of his role, addressing the audience by quoting Victor Hugo’s novel about Esmeralda and Quasimodo’s skeletons crumbling to dust years later. And only THEN we get Clopin coming in, mourning and starting the “The Bells of Notre Dame” reprise. All of the cast comes out and sings the final notes and the audience is left in tears. WHAT A MUSICAL.

The Cast

Quasimodo - Kevin Köhler: I LOVED him as Quasimodo. I already saw him as Alfred in Tanz der Vampire once but here he is totally different. He perfectly captures the broken and innocent child-like nature of Quasimodo and does a superb job of imitating the crooked walking. His performance of “Made of Stone” was just heartbreaking.

Frollo - Felix Martin: I was SO happy when I saw that he would be Frollo in my viewing. I already saw him as Peron in Evita but this was so different. He was much colder than he seemed on the CD but when he had to be compassionate or regretful, he pulled it off perfectly. His rendition of “Hellfire” was a villainous, tragic descent into madness. I remember seeing other Disney musicals like The Lion King and Aladdin. The villain always got booed at the end. Here, the villain got the biggest applause. This alone speaks for the different approach of this show and Felix Martin’s performance.

Esmeralda - Mercedesz Csampai: I saw Mercedesz twice as Sarah in Tanz der Vampire and very much looked forward to seeing her as Esmeralda. While she didn’t exactly look like I would imagine Esmeralda, she definitely pulled it off singing- and acting-wise. I enjoyed seeing her in a different role and was sold from the beginning.

Phoebus - Maximillian Mann: While I always imagine Phoebus with blonde hair, Maximillian pulls the persona off perfectly. He is funny and serious at the same time and his voice is PERFECT. I really enjoyed seeing him.

Clopin - Gavin Turnbull: I was used to Jens Janke on the cast recording so Gavin was VERY different. This is an older, more serious Clopin who doesn’t shy away from good jokes though. I think I had the most fun watching Gavin acting-wise. His voice also perfectly fits. While Jens Janke shows more of the joking jester side of Clopin, Gavin shows more of the gypsy king side. So it seems to me at least.

Overall

Overall, I LOVE this show. It is in my top 5 musicals right now and I would recommend it to everyone. It is SO GOOD. Definitely the darkest Disney piece ever made. It’s great to see that both of the well-known Victor Hugo stories now have critically acclaimed musical counterparts. I would love to see this show again if I can make it. It’s still playing in Stuttgart. Everyone should watch this piece. The messages, the acting, the songs and the overall impression are fantastic.

#The Hunchback of Notre Dame #Musical #Disney #Stuttgart #Der Glöckner von Notre Dame #Review #Kevin Köhler #Felix Martin #Mercedesz Csampai #Maximillian Mann #Gavin Turnbull #Amazing #I WANT TO SEE IT AGAIN!!!

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