Hunchback and Torrey Pines

At the last minute, a ticket became available for the sold-out production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. In an hour, I was changed and delivered to the front door of La Jolla Playhouse, a professional, regional theatre started in 1947 by Gregory Peck.  

Victor Hugo's story of the deformed bell ringer and the gypsy was written in a successful attempt to save the medieval gothic Notre Dame Cathedral from piecemeal destruction. The tragedy is well-suited for a musical format. This is the premiere of a darker version of the Disney movie. It began with an amazing transformation. The lead actor strode onto the stage and with two swipes of paint across his face and a lump tied to his back, a twisted and agonized Quasimodo emerged. The emotional music was reminiscent of Les Miserables, the singing and acting superb. The stage setting of the Notre Dame bell tower was dominated by six huge bells that pealed with anger and emotion more than once. I was in heaven! 

Bill in the meantime, checked out Torrey Pines Golf Course, site of the US Open - he has big plans for the new year!