The Hunchback of Notre Dame Premiers at The Shane Center
A community production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame premiered on Friday, October 17th at The Shane Lalani Center for the Arts, located at 415 E. Lewis Street in Livingston. The play, adapted from the 1831 novel by French author Victor Hugo, stars Andrew Reichert and Erika Adams in lead roles Quasimodo and Esmerelda surrounded by a cast including over 50 local actors and actresses. The musical production features scores written for the animated version produced by Disney in 1996, with artistic direction from Russell Lewis.
The original novel is a classic of world literature described as a gothic romance set in 15th century Paris yet closely examines themes central to the Romantic Era in 19th century France—desire, religion, fate, social stratification and architecture, amongst others—a shifting cultural paradigm captured using allusions to history and heritage in the backdrop of a story about heroism and love.
The play subtly explores similar motifs but with greater emphasis on courage, friendship and self-overcoming—the inter- and intra-personal dynamics between and within the characters.
Protagonist Quasimodo, born crippled and deformed, is orphaned to his uncle, antagonist Dom Claude Frollo (depicted by Kurt Gardner), a prejudiced priest ordained at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Quasimodo endures a life of obedience and servitude at his uncle’s behest before encountering the fiery, free-spirited gypsy Esmerelda—an enticing force of independence and beauty beckoning him from solitude to overcome his crippling fear of self and others. When his pious yet envious uncle conspires to suppress this all-too-human yearning, Quasimodo is forced to reckon with internal strife—remain loyal in docility to tradition and authority or pursue personal freedom and love through sacrifice.
Supporting actress Christina Eike, a Hobson native and recent Montana State University graduate, has performed onstage since her first role in a production of Annie at age 10, where she led with nearly 200 lines over seven consecutive showings. She was recently casted as a gargoyle in the Hunchback production—a role she describes as being integral to the story and conjunctive with her personality.
“I guess for me the process started with Russ saying, ‘I really want you to bring yourself into the character.’ I see the gargoyles as fun characters with the way that they’re whimsical. They’re always kind of demonized, but I see them differently and think that’s because of the Disney movie. Growing up, I always loved them because they are so kind. So, I kind of went with more of that approach to it.”
She further explained, “We are supposed to be depictions of Quasimodo’s mind, which is what’s really cool about the way Russ [Lewis] is going about this production. For me I really tried to go into the emotional part of him: the part that also fiercely wants to be a part of the outside world and other people. Me, personally, I am a very emotional being. I love people and hearing their stories. I think that is why I went with that character with my gargoyle.”
“I think we really push him [Quasimodo] to ultimately, at the end, make the choice to try and save Esmerelda,” Eike concluded.
Tami Renner, who has performed in at least 70 productions, works in wealth management when not on stage. Casted in two roles (like Eike, she plays one of eight gargoyles), she auditioned for the role of Florika with only one week to prepare after spending nearly nine months studying for her professional licensing. This renewed freedom, she says, enabled her to identify with the character, Quasimodo’s mother in the musical adaptation of the novel—an independent Romani woman who, like Esmerelda, is persecuted by the church, offering a Freudian-like twist.
“For her I see freedom, and fire, and independence, and optimism. She pushes back against the world, refusing to go with it and kind of stands on her own and be her own person. I’m very similar in that way. I am very stubborn. I have been able to bring a lot of that energy with the freedom of not studying anymore,” she reflected. “I immediately felt connected with her.”
The character, whose final vocal solo, says Renner, feels like a resolution to the play, which becomes dark and heavy, is a source of comfort for Quasimodo. “I feel like Florika’s solo is the beginning of the resolution of bringing hope back into the play.”
The renowned Notre Dame Cathedral, which serves as the setting for the story, was recreated onstage with support from sponsor Kenyon Noble. Designed by local architectural retiree Larry Raffety, the impressive set was constructed by a group of volunteers using donated timber and other materials. Costume design was led by Sarah Kelley with musical direction from Justin S. Brown.
Adams, also Executive Director of The Shane Center stated that, “I think this piece is incredibly relevant to our time. It is an absolute honor to be a part of this show. The feedback from opening weekend was overwhelming… You won’t want to miss this production so make sure to book your tickets soon before we sell out!”
Catch The Hunchback of Notre Dame, performed worldwide and famously adapted for the screen, at the Dulcie Theater in Livingston on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 3 pm through November 9th Tickets are $25 for adults, $19 for seniors/students/veterans, and $13 for youth 17 and under. Reservations can be made at theshanecenter.org or by calling 406-222-1420.