Fun fact about "Hellfire." Tony Jay couldn't hit the final high note and asked Alan Menken to take it down. Alan said NO and sent him to take voice lessons until he could hit the note. And here Geoff is like "I'm gonna belt this AND THEN GO HIGHER!" For such a dark song, VoicePlay really made this enjoyable to listen to. Disney will never do a song this realistically dark again, sadly.

"Burn it!" Hardest. Drop. Ever.

It's such an irony that one of the nicest guys you'll find on the internet is playing one of the most despicable Disney villains of all time - and doing a fantastic job of it! And one of the best reactors on KZread is just as disturbed by it as I am! Great reaction, Jen!

@marshayoung9387

7 ай бұрын

Geoff did say that his favorite character to play is the evil/bad guy. He does it so well.

@kurtisgrant4083

7 ай бұрын

Actually in the behind the scenes for this one, Geoff said he was uncomfortable with playing this particular villain.

@marshayoung9387

6 ай бұрын

​@@kurtisgrant4083yes, this I know. In an interview some time ago when he asked what characters he likes to play the most he said the villain/bad guy.

@JackDoodle

5 ай бұрын

The actor who plays Frollo in the original was far from him in personality also.

Jen's face = ALL of the emotions! 😂😢😮😊😊

@deanmarion5477

7 ай бұрын

Absolutely

@stuartfaulds1580

7 ай бұрын

@@deanmarion5477 Agreed

@deanmarion5477

7 ай бұрын

@@stuartfaulds1580 : if have access to patreon or not, there is new song from Home Free ( probably this Friday) called: Oh, Pretty Woman originally by Roy Orbison.

quick note as said by whatitdodave. the glowing eyes of Geoff is not special fx its him slowly shedding is mortal skin

@hwyla4416

7 ай бұрын

For those who don't know - Dave insists Geoff is part dragon.

@hweber4229

7 ай бұрын

@@hwyla4416Makes sense to me!

@nerdywordyprincess8499

6 ай бұрын

​@@hwyla4416I'd believe it! ✌️❤️🐉

@joeysmith5086

4 ай бұрын

I've been following his reactions and videos longer than most others I've seen lol. Good guy!

Fun fact: on “God have mercy on her,” Geoff does the traditional gesture Catholic priests do when giving a blessing. Did his homework!

@laundrygoddess4

7 ай бұрын

13 years of Catholic school. Church a lot. Never have I ever seen a priest do that with his hand v

@martindinner3621

7 ай бұрын

@@laundrygoddess4 I can't speak to all the orders, but it's pretty standard for the Benedictine and Jesuit orders. Even pretty common to see within the Protestant church during the benediction.

@DravenGal

4 ай бұрын

@@laundrygoddess4 I have, but then they make the sign of the cross.

@laundrygoddess4

4 ай бұрын

@@DravenGal I come from Benedictine and Ukrainian orthodox and this isn't done. Why can't they all just do the same thing!

@DravenGal

4 ай бұрын

@@laundrygoddess4Ah, I was raised Catholic, but that was a long time ago, so I know a lot has changed in the Church (which I only learned from watching a channel called "On Friar Review." It's pretty cool, though Rev. Chris (if priests in my day had been like him, perhaps I would have embraced Catholicism, rather than being scarred by it) on the Jolly/Korean Englishman channels is my favorite priest on KZread. His brother is a Major in the Army. But I'm on a different Path, the right Path for me. Anyway, I digress. Sorry about that! Now, in answer to your question, I'm afraid I can't help but get a bit cynical and snarky...I mean, you wouldn't expect the Church to admit that every belief system is valid and/or alike, would you? If they did all the same thing, they couldn't say other branches are getting it wrong, and their way is the only right way! Or scare people with threats of Hell if they don't do what their branch says they must follow EXACTLY! (Please note: no disrespect to anyone's belief systems intended, just the politics of the Church, going back to when it basically became a power source, and cared more about that power than saving souls, and would commit terrible crimes against people with differing beliefs...Gah. I'm afraid it's a bit of a sore spot for me. Sorry if I offended anyone.)

I love the splitting lead vocals because it seems like it is all the thoughts bouncing through Frollo's head. It is his inner monlogue of everything he is thinking but not saying until it comes out full force in the end.

6:19 "Cause you're a creep". I literally laughed out loud in my car. I've seen a lot of your reactions and I enjoy them a lot. This one has to be my favorite! Between the commentary about the vocal technique and the snarky comments about Frollo, this was absolutely fantastic! ✌️❤️🔥

@JenniferGlatzhofer

6 ай бұрын

😂😂 can’t hide how I feel towards Frollo hahah! Thank you

Cesar acting like a pious church boy is turning me to sin...oh dear...great reaction, Jen! and thank you for mentioning the guitar riff, no one else seems to bring that up. Geoff kills it in this one, J is a great addition to this, and Layne singing is an extra treat! Eli is his usual rock god self. this has to be one of my favorite of their Disney covers!

I have listened to this cover countless times and have never noticed that they were saying "Gypsy escaped" in the little dialogue part of the video. Amazing reaction video.

So many sections offering so many vocal treats! Love it when J.None joins and brings his rich, warm sound. I enjoyed your explanation of how Eli navigated "destroy Esmeralda!" Only two words but Eli really made them sparkle. I think Alan Menken knew he was torturing us for all time by giving us such a conflicting and stunning villain song.

Amazing reaction! The person coming in in the middle there is previous member Tony, but it's Eli's voice. So he may be singing in the heavens but he's got a pretty low speaking voice! The range on those guys 🤯 In one of their chats Geoff said Eli probably has the biggest range of them. Might be Layne too though with his insane inhale notes

@Ida-Christine

6 ай бұрын

You're right. It IS Eli. I didn't think of that before.

This song is the ultimate villain song for a vile man. And this version is perfect. Taken in context of its time setting and in reality Frollo was not the worst character for his time and position but for Disney he truly stands alone.

you are the first reactor who has spotted the "gypsy Escape" bit in the spoken bit which I love

This really turned out to be the perfect Halloween song for them. It came out so well. When you were talking about them handing off the line one sentence to the next, Eli, Geoff, Eli, I really love when they do that. I can't remember if you've reacted to their cover of "We're Good" but they do that with Geoff and Eli and then Layne and Cesar where they're switching out every other syllable. Literally. It creates a fantastic effect. They really brought the menace and darkness this song called for. I hope you're planning to react to Geoffs video of "Jacks Lament" before Halloween too. It's phenomenal, even by Geoff standards. He leveled up again with it! Loved your reactions and breakdown Jen! ❤

Shows what you can do with three baritones, a tenor, and a utility male singer.

@martymiller9802

7 ай бұрын

You’re killin me … with “utility singer”. :)

@ad9aggie

7 ай бұрын

So you're saying he's a five-tool singer?

Beautifully broken Jen on this one. Watching you work through all the emotions on your face is always a joy

The guard was played by Tony, previous Voice Play baritone! 💖

@lacko623

7 ай бұрын

He played the guard, but I think Eli voiced him if I'm not mistaken

@shilohauraable

7 ай бұрын

​@@lacko623You are correct! Although I don't know why. Tony is definitely capable of voicing 2 lines. 😅 Maybe something to do with union production requirements or something. 🤔

@lacko623

7 ай бұрын

@@shilohauraable Could be...or maybe it's just that Eli has such a distinct voice 😄 He was the of Santa in their Oogie Boogie cover as well

Voiceplay rocks this one!!! They have become such good actors too. They really made the parts their own. Elli's high notes are perfection and Ceasar's face is so expressive. Lane is his usual alien self. I would love to see JNone join the group again making it a 5 person ensemble. Geoff was the best lead!! I think this is the first time I have ever heard him belting a note. His eyes gave me the collywobbles. You gave some really great insights Jen. Thanks

Great reaction!! This was just so damned good!! When I watched it the first time, I thought it was Geoff that said "Burn It", but no, that was Layne. And It was cool that Tony got to participate as the guard. Completely blown away by how epic this cover was!! It has been a long long time since I have seen Hunchback of Notre Dame. And Did you see Cesar briefly playing the air guitar?? lol

I just went to watch your version of Hellfire - very impressive. Your acting ability was well displayed, especially at the "God have mercy" section. Loved your final belt and made sure to observe the tongue placement. Loved that belt and then the vibrato! Excellent!

@JenniferGlatzhofer

7 ай бұрын

Oh thanks so much!

23:21 yes Jen, he went all the way up there 😂😂😂 your face was mirroring mine from when I heard that spot when I watched the premier of the song

Hellfire, but I think they hit god level with this one. I KNOW Geoff hit it with Jack's Lament. They keep breaking me.

I so enjoy your reactions to Voiceplay! I was mesmerized by this, binge watching it for days on Patreon. Thanx for doing this so quickly.....

Always enjoy your insights about their music and your facial expression!! Indeed a very dark villain in Disney, and this song showed his twisted mind. VoicePlay did an excellent job portraying this character, and I absolutely love it!! Wonderful reaction!!

I was looking forward to your reaction on this one! Love your explanations, and your enjoyment of this powerful cover!

Fantastic analysis as usual, and it really helps that you are familiar with the song. I had watched the film many, many years ago, but the whole 'happy ending' compared to the tragic ending of the novel just didn't seem right to me, so I never revisited it. Soon after I joined the VP and Goeff patreons, about a year and a half ago, in some stream or chat the song was brought up and Geoff was like, "Why in the world do people want us (or me) to do THAT song?". Since it had been in their top ten Disney Villain medley and so many of those had been turned into full-length videos, I thought he just hated something about the melody or song structure. When they announced they were doing this, I went back and watched the version of the song in the film, and thought, "Oh, okay, I think I know why Geoff is puzzled why people are so anxious to hear this." The whole storyline about a self-righteous prig who takes no responsibility for his actions, blames the woman for 'tempting' him, and then graciously decides she can live if he can 'claim' her as his own has a whole vibe that seems to be repugnant to him, and certainly reflects some male attitudes that have been unfortunately accepted as 'normal' for far too long, and therefore was maybe something he did not want people to 'enjoy' hearing him sing. It's worlds removed from the 'creepy, but in a joking way' vibe of his "Headless Horseman" or "Monster Mash" videos, or his theatrical but thoughtful exploration of Jack's feelings in his recent 'Jack's Lament' (hoping a reaction/analysis to that is coming from you, pretty please?). But, once they decided to do it, he certainly committed to bringing the portrayal to (sometimes scary and ugly) 'life'. Reactors who aren't familiar with the song, or only vaguely remember exactly what the song was portraying in the film don't always seem to appreciate the church/choir segments or what is really going on, even when the names 'Esmeralda' and the mention of Paris makes them go, "Oh, I think this might have something to do with 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame?" Though, some do concede that "You know, I was pretty young when I saw that movie, I don't think I was picking up on how creepy Frollo really was!", I think it is still easier for those who really know the story to realize what a great arrangement this is and the intricacies of what VP are doing to bring the song to life. Anyway, a thrill and a joy to see you react to this!

The video is amazing, Jen is amazing, BUT IM ALWAYS HERE FOR HER IMITATING THE BEATBOX PARTS!!! OMG I love when she does and i love her laughter afterwards of pure joy!!! hahahahaha you're awesome Jen!

Great reaction and analysis! Always love to hear your insights 😊 I didn't expect them to do this song either, so you are not alone in that ❤ However that just makes it more enjoyable for me to listen to it.

Thank you Jennifer for another priceless reaction to Voice Play. You are too darn cute & so much fun to watch. I am so glad to hear Geoff finally take the lead in a Voice Play song . He is finally showing us his full range. I love his higher rock voice & hope he continues to give us more. I love Cesars voice in this. I believe he also does stage show musicals like Hamilton. I hope you will do a reaction to Geoff's new solo cover of Jack's Lament.

@WelcomeApathy

7 ай бұрын

This doesn't show his full range, though. It's awesome, but pretty downplayed range wise for Geoff.

Hi Jennifer hope you are having an great and awesome day ❤

Awesome analysis. I was so pumped when I saw it as upcoming. Their BTS of this was just as cool…guys cutting up, laughing and having a blast while doing something super dark.

Fabulous reaction again Jen, I was smiling along with you. Love your insights and observations 😊

And the UK entrant into the World Gurning Championships is Jennifer Glatzhofer!

As someone who had never listened to them prior to the hellfire video, when Geoff (I believe that's his name?) went into that lower bass for the chorus, I had to pause the video to take a second BECAUSE THAT WAS WORLD SHATTERING FOR ME

I enjoy watching you be blown away by these performances, much like my own reactions. What fun these guys make every performance. Toni makes a cameo appearance as the guard, though Eli provides the voice.

That rumble at 20:51 you mentioned; I'm not sure but I think it's a Bb0 (!)

@Jennifer Glatzhofer The pitch in which Geoff is doing is a D1 subharmonic!! Really stinkin good!!

Jonathan Young has a great Hellfire cover, if you have not heard it.

I hope they all get to keep those costumes. They look AWESOME in them. :)

@shirleykarr560

7 ай бұрын

They are auctioning off several of the articles of clothing and jewelry used in this, as well as other videos. It's a charity fundraiser, and only their Patreon members can bid.

I knew you would catch-up. This will be good.

Jennifer's face 7:13-7:16 + 19:32-19:37 +23:33-23:37 = The reason to watch really good reactors.

Aw, you didn't see the awesome cover art after the patrons roll! It's one of my favorites. Fantastic reaction, though, as usual.

Enjoyed the reaction/analysis! The guard was Tony, that made four generations of VP baritones in one video! 🥰

As always, thoroughly enjoyable reaction young lady!

And one would like to say that they captured and embodied Frollo's madness well. :)

I've been waiting for one of my fave reactors to watch this one and you did *not* disappoint! (I seriously doubt you could, anyway). Thank you for your enthusiasm and analysis, it's always fun to watch along with you!

@JenniferGlatzhofer

7 ай бұрын

Thanks so much😁

Wow is a great one-word reaction! As always, your analysis is great!

Oh, how I was looking forward to this! And love the new look of your studio.

I went back in time to see your cover of hellfire …. VERY VERY nice!

@JenniferGlatzhofer

7 ай бұрын

Ah thank you!

Love your reactions. Entertaining and interesting. ❤❤❤❤❤

Awesome

Man I wish we could watch it through all in one go, watching your reaction and excitement build, and then go back to the beginning to tear it all apart. I always have to go watch the video first to get context of the song before watching your reaction so I don’t get road rage from all the stopping every other measure of music.

Wow.

Yes

Absolutely a great job, I heard it when it came out an I was thinking how you would break this one down. A lot in it for sure. A much different version from Tommy P. Loved it. Somehow they made the emotions of the song go back and forth. Jeoff’s low subs are sounding like they have a lot more body to them. Again good one Jenn! Low bass Kenneth.

Rumor has it, when Notre Dam burned 4 years ago, it was caused by Hellfire! 😂😂😂😂

ohh thy facial reactions are very entertaining Jenn

Been waiting for your reaction to this. Lots of Geoff. I remember the Geoff has said Eli and Layne could sing bass also.

the single bass line after chorous it's realized by Lane!

I have to say I don't see you as a Disney villain. Geoff, however, is brilliant in the role. the character, of course, is not righteous, but self-righteous. It's not uncommon. :)

The latin part is actually important. Translated, the exchange goes something like this. It's not my fault(It is my fault) I'm not to blame (It is my fault) It is the gypsy girl the witch who sent this flame (It is my great fault)

We're all waiting for your appraisal of your HF experience!

Great reaction, as always. History nerd moment, the background vocals at the end are saying kyrie eleison, which is part of the Latin Mass but is not actually Latin. It's Greek for "Lord have mercy" Nerd moment over

Love the cameo by Tony Wakim.

In my case, going back and watching Hunchback as an adult, it was not creepier. A few years ago, I got talking with some friends about it and movie vs. novel vs. musical, and it turned out I remembered the movie ending quite differently than everyone else. I was thoroughly confused. I distinctly remembered pretty much everyone dying at the end of the movie. We went ahead and watched it together. Turns out that was my first time watching the Disney version. I had watched a different adaptation as a kid. I still haven't found which one, but that knowledge did ease my mind.

Remember ( probably) this Friday will be new song by Home Free, it called Oh, Pretty Women, originally by Roy Orbison. This song: Hellfire, it all about Geoff’s underworld that he brought us.

Love Eli´s voice

1:08 I'm going to check it out after this🙂

Jen: accidentally almost says bass singers are the best people to sing as Frollo Me and the boys who have been practicing our war chants: _our time has come to enact vengeance_ jk :p

Jen you are adorable

19:54 he hits an F#5 in valhalla calling I believe 🤯

I've been binging your VoicePlay Reactions playlist and have to recommend that you watch the Little Mermaid Medley and Moana Medley! Or if you want a different group, Voctave has some great Disney ones (Their Princess and Love Song Medleys are my favorites). Love the videos!

glad you liked it. hope you look at Jonathan Youngs Cover of this song.

Clicked Like and noticed that made the count 666 likes. A video about Hellfire. Hmmm..... 🔥😎

❤🔥

The guard is Tony Wakim. I love the Kyrie Eleison duplicates God have mercy that Geoff is singing.

React to jacks lament by Geoff Castellucci

I was going to edit my prior comment but it seems to have disappeared. Please consider watching Stephen Schwartz's recent mini-concert on NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts. It's in celebration of Wicked hitting 20 years on Broadway. Listening to the two current stars sing with just Stephen accompanying them on piano is reason enough (he does his whole accompaniment from memory, just wow). Add in his commentary on how the songs and lyrics for Wicked were created and it's definitely a must-watch!!!

Nahh, Frollo knew perfectly well he wasn't doing the right thing...he just made up his mind he was gonna do it anyway, eternity be hanged. He really doesn't deserve the Castellucci treatment, but here we are. 😄

Layne on bass (except for his solo) prior to the percussion dropping. ❤

Point of contention, Little Mermaid is alan Menkin's best body of work... bc i didn't remember hellfire as anything but a creepy dude song until voiceplay/peter hollens... but I can jam poor unfortunate soul

You have a new microphone?

25:10 that crackle raspy tone thing your on about is actually a subharmonic still. I do this when singing aswell when singing higher notes if I'm careful and focused I am able to use the subharmonic technique to produce the same sound as Geoff there (obviously nowhere near as godlike as Geoff does)

Hi beautiful ❤️

Now, my question is, was Lane covering the bass while Geoff was singing or was it Geoff layered?

@dianeschluter9995

7 ай бұрын

Both. Before the "Burn it" Layne was doing bass, after it's Geoff double tracked

@layronmccoy8708

7 ай бұрын

@@dianeschluter9995 Thank you, cause I needed to know and I was about to lose my mind not knowing for sure.

Not a favorite song... for reasons you appear to share, the lyrics are uncomfortable. Abhorrent, even. Still, an excellent job of a very challenging song. Enjoyed the reaction!

Jonathan young did a better version

Those who don’t know my boy, Geoff here The father, so that’s what came from his dad mode