Intensely emotional and achingly poignant, Act 1 DeSales University Theatres production of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" features outstanding performances across the board.
The powerful musical runs through May 7 on the Main Stage of the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts in Center Valley.
The show tells the story of Quasimodo, the bell ringer of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris who falls for the gypsy Esmeralda. It draws its darker story from Victor Hugos novel and the songs from 1996 Disney film.
All the leads are tremendous, but Giovanni Marini, as the ruthlessly self-righteousness Archdeacon Frollo is a standout. Marinis torment is palpable and believable, particularly in his showstopping anthem "Hellfire." Marini makes the characters descent into wickedness more human and complex than the typical musical villain. 
Dillon Parish gives Quasimodo a wonderfully varied emotional range. The character is a pure soul in a misshapen body who is misunderstood and Parish gives Quasimodos songs true yearning. Particularly moving are his longing to escape his bell tower and experience life in "Out There" and his desire to find love in "Heavens Light." Most heartbreaking is his dynamic "Made of Stone" when he releases all his pent-up frustrations in a musical tour de force.
As Esmeralda, Gabrielle Moseley is tantalizing as the seductive gypsy, while still portraying human vulnerability and warmth. Her dancing during "Rhythm of the Tambourine" is captivating enough to attract the attentions of Frollo, Quasimodo and Phoebus, captain of the guards. She is heartfelt and memorable in her plea for a better world in "God Help the Outcasts."
As Phoebus, Christian Tuffy initially seems somewhat shallow, particularly in the pleasure-seeking "Rest & Recreation," but gains depth as the character falls for the strong-willed Esmeralda and his eyes are opened to the unfair treatment of the gypsy community. His and Moseleys duet on "Someday" is lovely and passionate.
Tommy Stacherski is arch and delightfully rougish as Clopin, the king of the gypsies. His lead on the dance-filled "Topsy Turvey" during the Festuval of Fools scene is capped by his athletic dancing.
Also notable was "Flight Into Egypt," a funny number by Kevin Regan, who plays the statue of Saint Aphrodisius who was beheaded for hiding the Holy family and keeps humorously "adjusting" his head.
The cast also features a sort of Greek chorus of statues who act as Quasimodos conscience and a huge choir of monks who sing wonderful harmonies on religious-sounding songs that add a depth to the songs such as the monumental opener "The Bells of Notre Dame." Also of note, all roles, even small one, are very well sung.
The lush orchestra is conducted by Paul Hsun-Ling Chou and the outstanding and moody recreation of Paris gothic cathedral is thanks to scenic designer Will Neuert and lighting designer Eric Haugen. Amber Stepaniks costumes are eye-catching and Stephen Caseys choreography is energetic.
Dennis Razze, director, and Anne Lewis, associate director, have taken a massive musical with a large cast and made it feel intimate.
There are talk backs with the cast after the April 30 and May 2 performances.
The 2 p.m. May 6 performance will feature open captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing and audio descriptions for patrons who are blind or visually impaired. Tickets are half price for patrons using these special services on this date. Please call Box Office Manager Eric Pierson at 610-282-3654, ext. 1, for more information.
Performances are 8 p.m. April 26-29, May 3-5; 2 p.m. April 30, May 7; 9:45 a.m. May 2; and 2 and 8 p.m. May 6.
Tickets are $34 for adults and $32 for students and seniors Monday through Thursday; and $38 for adults and $36 for students and seniors Friday through Sunday,
For information, call 610-282-3192 or go to www.desales.edu.