Josh Richardson as Claude Frollo, photos courtesy of Hale Centre Theatre & LeaveItToLeavitt Photography
Returning to Claude Frollo
The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Hale Centre Theatre
Claude Frollo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame
In 2026, Josh Richardson returned to the role of Claude Frollo in Hale Centre Theatre’s production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame in Sandy, Utah. The production ran March 9 through April 25, with Josh appearing in the Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday cast.
Josh first played Frollo at Hale Centre Theatre in 2018. Returning to the role eight years later gave him the rare opportunity to revisit one of musical theatre’s most layered antagonists with more experience, more perspective, and a deeper understanding of the dangers beneath Frollo’s authority.
For Josh, Frollo is not compelling because he is simply evil. He is compelling because he believes he is righteous. He is a pious villain, a man whose cruelty is disguised as conviction.
Josh Richardson as Claude Frollo, praying to Mary for guidance and protection.
The Turning Point: Hellfire
For Josh, “Hellfire” is the climax of Frollo’s character arc. At the beginning of the song, Frollo is praying for strength. He is wrestling with piety, lust, fear, and control. By the end, he has crossed a line: Esmeralda will be his, or she will burn.
That transformation gave the number its force. The prayer becomes obsession. The obsession becomes violence. From that point forward, Frollo gains momentum until his vengeance destroys him.
The 2026 production heightened that moment with a visually stunning staging of “Hellfire,” including bursts of flame that punctuated the song and surrounded Frollo as his self-control collapsed.
“Hellfire is the moment where Frollo stops asking for deliverance and starts choosing destruction.”
Returning to the Role After Eight Years
Josh’s first Hale Centre Theatre production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame came in 2018. By 2026, he had changed as an actor and as a person. He had played more roles, lived more life, watched his children grow older, and seen the political landscape shift in ways that sharpened his understanding of Frollo.
That experience changed the way he approached the role. In 2026, Josh was especially interested in making Frollo recognizable rather than cartoonish. Frollo persecutes the vulnerable while convincing himself, and others, that he is protecting the city. He uses religious and political authority to tell people who to fear, who to blame, and who to hate.
“Frollo is a monster, and there are still Frollos among us.”
That idea shaped Josh’s performance. The goal was not to ask the audience to excuse Frollo, but to recognize him. The danger of Frollo is that he believes he is right.
Critical Response
Josh’s portrayals of Frollo in both the 2018 and 2026 Hale Centre Theatre productions received strong critical notice, particularly for the complexity of the character work and the intensity of “Hellfire.”
“Josh Richardson is riveting as Claude Frollo.”
“Richardson is the show’s standout.”
“Richardson showed the many levels of Frollo’s thinking with nuanced acting.”
“I’d see the show again to dissect his entrancing character choices.”
Audience Response
Audience response to Hale Centre Theatre’s 2026 production was enthusiastic, with patrons describing the show as epic, thrilling, professional, and one of the best productions they had seen at Hale.
“The best performance I have seen at Hale Centre Theater.”
“I was blown away.”
“This is the best show I have ever watched.”
Audience review excerpts are from public Google reviews of Hale Centre Theatre’s production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Photo Gallery
Selected production images from Hale Centre Theatre’s 2026 production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Cast and Company
The 2026 production featured a large ensemble cast and creative team at Hale Centre Theatre. Josh appeared as Claude Frollo in the Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday cast.
Creative team highlights: David Smith, director; Lindsey Smith, choreographer; Alex Marshall, music director; Sally Dietlein, producer; Ellen Richards, production stage manager.
Full cast and production credits: View the Hale Centre Theatre digital program.
