Victor Hugo had no idea that his 19th century novel would become a musical.

Its story of heroism and unrequited love in a Gothic setting is ideal for musical theater.

The musical, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” based on the Disney 1996 animated movie, is darker in tone while retaining much of the original music.

The production of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” through July 26, Northampton Community College Bill Mutimer Summer Theatre Series, creates an absorbing spectacle that does justice to the classic story.

The July 15 performance was seen for this review.

The first thing you will notice is the large cast. There are more than 25 performers and 13 members of the choir. The show begins with gray-garbed monks singing medieval church music.

Throughout the show, the robed figures represent the stone statues and gargoyles in the cathedral. At other times, the singers, described as the congregation in the playbill, take off their robes to become colorful gypsies, swirling in dance for the Festival of Fools.

In the musical, with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, the fourth song, “Out There,” is a show-stopper, with Jordan Joseph as Quasimodo contrasting his shriveled body with a voice of passion and incredible range.

Joseph does not use makeup to make his face ugly, but during the entire show he scrunches up his frame to emphasize his difference from the rest of humanity.

The would-be lovers Esmeralda (Julianna Braga) and Phoebus de Martin (Dami Shore) also uplift the tragedy with their soaring vocals. Mike Guerriere is a grand festival host as the sardonic leader of the gypsies.

Claude Frollo, played by Giovanni Marini on the Wednesday opening night, is riveting as the archdeacon of the Cathedral of Notre Dame. He portrays a potentially good man gradually brought down by passions he is unable to repress.

The set has two levels. With a wall containing the cathedral doors as a background, it acts as the outside and inside of the cathedral at various times. The upper level holds Quasimodo’s bells, with the members of the choir on each side.

The 11 orchestra musicians are hidden underneath the second level inside the doors. Directed by Nick Conti, their large, dramatic sound perfectly complements the show.

The musical, directed by Darah Donaher, never lags, even with a running time of two and one-half hours. This is a timeless classic you will want to visit again.

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” 7:30 p.m. July 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25; 2 p.m. July 19, 26, Bill Mutimer Summer Theatre Series, Lipkin Theater, Kopecek Hall, Northampton Community College, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township. 484-484-3412, https://www.ncctix.org/