Hurricane Valley Theatrical Company presents “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”
By Nicole Kimzey
The musical “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” rings onto the stage as Hurricane Valley Theatrical Company brings this epic drama to southern Utah. Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” showcases a powerful story along with the film’s Academy Award-nominated score and new songs by Menken and Schwartz.
Adults who usually shy away from lighthearted Disney-esque musicals should not dismiss this powerful production. Disney films often alter original storylines to be more befitting a children’s film, but this show is more rooted to original source material: that of Hugo’s original novel. It is a darker, more gothic adaptation of the film.
The brilliant and moving script is not lost on its actors.
“I love the message of this show,” said McKenzie Morgan, who plays the gypsy girl Esmeralda. “This show is about love, it’s about how one act of kindness can change a person’s whole world. If we can all reach that level of compassion then ‘life will be fairer, need will be rarer, greed will not pay!’ The play also dares ask the question, ‘What makes a monster and what makes a man?’ It’s about learning that someone’s heart is what defines them, not what they look like or the power they have over others.”
Aaron Meadows, one of the actors double cast as the deformed Quasimodo, echoed McKenzie’s sentiment.
“My favorite aspect of the show is its simple yet profound overarching message: All life has meaning and value, and no matter what our differences are, we are much more alike than we are different,” Meadows said.
To present such a powerful story can be a daunting task for any cast, but Nate Myers, the other actor portraying Quasimodo, could not be more enthusiastic about the cast’s ability to do just that.
“It is rare to obtain the high volume of experienced male talent that this show has,” Myers said. “It’s been astounding to see the principal roles in this show consist of highly experienced male performers such as Aaron Meadows, John Grzesiak, Greg Knell, and BJ Cox. These are performers with ample acting experience, commanding stage presence, and glorious singing voices. I simply cannot wait for audiences to experience the performances of these men and of the entire cast.”
Myers is also enthusiastic about the environment Hurricane Valley Theatrical Company gives them to tell their tale.
“Because of the stage size, this show is able to utilize a beautiful set that plays with all sorts of elevated levels,” he said. “This provides the cast with a whole new set of tools when it comes to presenting their craft.”
Beyond the sweeping story and sets are individual characters that the actors construct, and for McKenzie it has been an absolute pleasure. McKenzie, a trained dancer since youth, said that he loves that Esmeralda is a true dancer lead, because that is rare in the musical theater nowadays.
“I very much identify with her love of dance,” McKenzie said. “Beyond that, she also stands up against those who do her and others wrong! To me, that is such an admirable trait, and I can’t wait to bring that to the audience.”
Playing the physically deformed character of Quasimodo presented the two actors portraying the role a unique experience.
“The most challenging aspect of preparing for this role was letting Quasimodo’s physical restraints become as organic and natural in my body as possible,” Meadows said. “Allowing his challenges to become my challenges while also allowing myself the freedom to make bold choices about his physical characteristics and mannerisms, all while singing and moving around the stage. It has not been easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding.”
This incredibly talented cast, moving score, and powerful story make Hurricane Valley Theatrical Company’s production of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” an instant classic. Audiences will be swept away by the magic of this truly unforgettable musical.
“If you make the drive out to Hurricane to see the show, you will not be disappointed!” Meadows said.
”The Hunchback of Notre Dame” runs from Oct. 5–27 every Friday, Saturday, and Monday at 7 p.m. with Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. Performances will be at The Hurricane Fine Arts Center, located at 92 S 100 W in Hurricane. For tickets, visit hurricanetheatrical.com or call (435) 668-9753.
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