OCT 31 | THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME
Oct 31, 2022
Grace Cathedral
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This page is an archive of a past production
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Original show description below.
The sacred space of Grace Cathedral will transform into a grand movie palace for a special screening of director Wallace Worsley’s immortal 1923 silent film adaptation of Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, starring Lon Chaney and featuring a live score performed on Grace’s famous pipe organ by renowned organist and composer Dorothy Papadakos.
Currently a member of the GRAMMY-winning Paul Winter Consort and former Cathedral Organist of New York’s Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Papadakos has accompanied the greatest silent films in venues around the world. She will precede the screening with a brief history of the film, and will appear in costume as the title character!
Universal’s most successful silent film, The Hunchback of Notre Dame was a sensation upon its release, bringing the oft-told story of love and redemption in 15th century Paris to vivid life through lavish sets and a literal cast of thousands. Dubbed “The Man of a Thousand Faces,” Chaney created his own extravagant makeup and prosthesis for his star-making role as the half-deaf, half-blind hunchback Quasimodo, the ostracized bell ringer at the iconic Paris cathedral who makes the ultimate sacrifice for love.
This performance will take full advantage of Grace’s 7,500 pipe Aeolian-Skinner organ, a historic instrument installed in 1934 that has been played by many of the world’s great organists and earned a place in jazz history as well, being employed for the premiere of Duke Ellington’s Concert of Sacred Music in 1963 and pianist Vince Guaraldi’s 1965 Jazz Mass.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame was a sensation upon its release, bringing the oft-told story of love and redemption in 15th century Paris to vivid life through lavish sets and a literal cast of thousands.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is presented by kind permission of Blackhawk Films, Inc. and Flicker Alley, LLC, in memory of David Shepard.
When Dorothy Papadakos climbs into the organ loft at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, she rolls up her sleeves and rocks.
The New York Times
When Dorothy Papadakos climbs into the organ loft at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, she rolls up her sleeves and rocks.
The New York Times
Personnel
Dorothy Papadakos pipe organ
“From any facet or dimension, The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a true classic in its own right due to its ambition, scope, scale and payoff.
Pop Matters
Personnel
Dorothy Papadakos pipe organ