A darker tale

Parents seeking a child-friendly, Disney-esque option, be warned, this Music Circus take on The Hunchback of Notre Dame is decidedly darker than the 1996 animated musical version on which it’s based. This rendition hews closely to Victor Hugo’s plot, which in turn makes for a dramatic and compelling story of love and revenge. The production does showcase Alan Menken’s Academy Award-winning score and also debuts several new songs. Trivia: Like his character Quasimodo, actor John McGinty is also deaf. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday; $45-$88. Wells Fargo Pavilion Music Circus, 1419 H Street; (916) 557-1999; www.californiamusicaltheatre.com.