In the wake of the tragic fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in April, an enduring production of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" underscores the 13th-century landmark’s significance in literature. The musical, based on the Victor Hugo novel, runs at Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia through May 19. Photo by Jeri Tidwell Photography

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The Hunchback of Notre Dame as a musical? You must be kidding, I thought.

I was aware that Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel had been translated into English and seen success over the years in theaters and in movies. Some might remember the 1923 silent film with Lon Chaney, the 1939 version with Charles Laughton, or the 1997 film with Mandy Patinkin, Richard Harris and Salma Hayek.

But like me, you might have missed the 1996 Disney film, a musical version that — unlike many other Disney films — never made it to Broadway. It was, however, a commercial success on stage in Berlin, where it was first produced and had a successful run from 1999 to 2002.

Fortunately for us, that musical production has finally made it to Howard County. A musical adapted from the Disney film is currently being performed through May 19 at Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Columbia.

You might think a dark French novel is unusual fare for a dinner theater, and in some ways it might be for most. But as Toby’s co-director and choreographer Mark Minnick said, “Hunchback is a grand and epic musical that works very well in our intimate setting.”

A familiar story well told

Set primarily in 1482 Paris in the Notre Dame Cathedral, the story focuses on the deformed bell ringer Quasimodo and his struggle to gain acceptance in society.

He is kept captive in the tower by Dom Claude Frollo, the cathedral’s Archdeacon. But one day, Quasimodo escapes and meets a gypsy woman named Esmeralda. He is quite smitten by her, but so are Frollo, played by Russell Sunday, and Captain Phoebus, played by Jeffrey Shankle. And so, the story’s conflict begins.

Toby’s cast of 24 does an outstanding job in bringing this difficult work to life both dramatically and musically. Rare for dinner theater, the performers sing with a live band.

And the casting for this show was ideal. The show’s two central characters are played by actors making their debuts at Toby’s: Jessica Bennett as Esmeralda and Sam Kobren as Quasimodo.

As Esmerelda, Bennett, a Baltimore native, is a powerful actress and graceful dancer. Her final scene is the play’s most endearing moment.

David Bosley-Reynolds (Father Dupin) and Shankle, two of Toby’s regulars, are also excellent performers.

Music and sets

The haunting music leads the story along and is never intrusive. It was composed by Alan Menken — known for The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and songs for other Disney films — and lyricist Stephen Schwartz (who wrote the music and lyrics for Wicked).

Some of the songs will be familiar to those who have seen the Disney film, though others were written specifically for the stage version.

The play’s scenery, which can be somewhat limited by Toby’s round stage, immerses you in the historic time frame. Four bells hang from the upper stage rigging. When they are rung, you are transported to Notre Dame Cathedral.

Although the actors on stage are the ones who move scenery on and off, it’s done fluidly and never gets in the way of the performances.

Kudos to the production team consisting of David Hopkins (scenic design), Lynn Joslin (lighting), Janine Sunday (costumes) and Corey Brown (sound).

A review of a dinner theatre would not be complete without a word about the food. Toby’s menu changes for each show.

For Hunchback, the all-you-can-eat buffet features boeuf bourguignon, tilapia, shrimp, pasta du jour, a Toby’s special called spinach phunque, potatoes, rice, ratatouille (of which I had two servings), carrots, roast beef, chicken Française, a salad bar and an ice cream bar in the lobby.

Specialty drinks and desserts are an extra charge. And don’t forget to tip your waiter: the show’s actors function as waiters, and your tip is part of their pay.

In short, don’t be put off by the show’s foreboding title. This is a family show to be enjoyed by all. You may not walk out humming any tunes, but you’ll likely recommend this show to your friends and family.

Ticket prices run from $63 (Sunday to Thursday evening, Wednesday matinee and Sunday brunch) to $66 (Saturday evening). Discounted rates for those 65 and over are available on Tuesday and Wednesday evening and for the Wednesday matinee ($53.55).

In regard to seating, all seats at Toby’s are good because seating is in the round. That said, the upper levels provide a slightly better view of the overall stage area.

For show times and tickets, call the box office at (410) 730-8311 or go to tobysdinnertheatre.com.

Baltimore native Eddie Applefeld is promotions director at WCBM radio in Baltimore. He writes for DC Metro Theater Arts, the Baltimore Post-Examiner and other publications.