Tuesday, September 17, 2024
As autumn settles into Granbury, the Historic Granbury Opera House is gearing up to showcase one of the most powerful and enduring stories in musical theater: The Hunchback of Notre Dame. This beloved production, based on Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel, opens on Friday, September 20th, and will run for four weekends, concluding on Sunday, October 13th. With its iconic score, intricate characters, and heart-wrenching story, The Hunchback of Notre Dame has captivated audiences for decades—and now, the Granbury Theatre Company is bringing this classic tale to life right here in Hood County.
The Legacy of The Hunchback of Notre Dame
From its literary origins to its many adaptations, The Hunchback of Notre Dame has a rich and fascinating history. Hugo’s novel was groundbreaking for its time, blending the personal dramas of its characters with broader themes of love, acceptance, and social injustice. At its core, The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a tale of an outcast—Quasimodo, the deformed bell ringer of Notre Dame—and his unrequited love for the beautiful Esmeralda. Surrounding them is a cast of equally complex characters, including the conflicted Archdeacon Frollo and the dashing Captain Phoebus.
The novel’s themes of beauty, faith, and sacrifice are timeless, which is why it has seen countless adaptations over the years. In 1996, Disney took Hugo’s story to new heights by transforming it into an animated musical film, complete with songs by the acclaimed duo Alan Menken (composer) and Stephen Schwartz (lyricist). While Disney softened some of the darker elements of the novel, they retained the heart of the story, elevating it with memorable songs like “Out There,” “God Help the Outcasts,” and “The Bells of Notre Dame.”
The stage adaptation of The Hunchback of Notre Dame builds on this foundation, blending Disney’s beloved musical elements with Hugo’s original, more somber tone. First premiering in Germany in 1999, the show was later adapted for American audiences, where it has since been praised for its emotional depth and musical grandeur.
Why the Story Endures
At its heart, The Hunchback of Notre Dame is about belonging and the search for acceptance. Audiences have long been drawn to its exploration of themes that resonate across time: the pain of isolation, the struggle between personal desires and duty, and the inherent worth of all individuals, regardless of appearance.
The character of Quasimodo, in particular, has been a symbol of resilience and inner beauty. Despite his outward deformities and the cruelty he endures, he remains a figure of innocence and love, capable of great tenderness. It’s this human element—alongside the sweeping music—that keeps audiences returning to The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
The Music That Makes It Magic
Music plays a critical role in the storytelling of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and the Granbury Theatre Company’s production promises to highlight the grandeur of its score. The music, composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, marries sweeping orchestration with choral grandeur, inspired by the Gothic setting of Notre Dame Cathedral. Songs like “The Bells of Notre Dame” and “Hellfire” bring both majesty and menace to the stage, while quieter moments like “Out There” and “God Help the Outcasts” tug at the heartstrings, offering a window into the innermost desires of the characters.
Audiences can expect the Granbury production to fully embrace the drama of this score, with its haunting melodies and epic arrangements, ensuring an immersive and moving experience for all in attendance.
The Granbury Theatre Company Production
The Granbury Theatre Company’s production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame is backed by an accomplished artistic team and a stellar cast. Under the direction of Matt Beutner, the show is set to dazzle local audiences with its breathtaking scenery, compelling performances, and faithful adaptation of this timeless musical.
“This is probably one of – if not the most – talented group of actors I’ve ever gotten to work with,” said Beutner. “It is a really, really talented group of people. The music in Hunchback is some of the most difficult you’ll find in the entire musical theatre canon, and this group is already sounding superb!”
Leading the cast is Freddy Martinez Jr. and Ben Rongey, who will alternate in the role of Quasimodo, bringing both vulnerability and strength to this iconic character. Audrey Randall and Sofi Warren will likewise take turns portraying the spirited Esmeralda, while Opera House favorite Brian Lawson steps into the imposing role of Dom Claude Frollo, the conflicted archdeacon torn between his piety and forbidden love for Esmeralda. Jake Hamilton will play the valiant Captain Phoebus, while John David Dvorak portrays the colorful Clopin Trouillefou, leader of the gypsies.
The supporting cast, including Gavin Clark as Jehan Frollo, Ryan Wagoner as Father Dupin, and Richard K Wooten as Lieutenant Frederic Charlus, rounds out the supporting cast. With a strong lineup of actors, the production promises both vocal and emotional depth.
Behind the scenes, a talented creative team brings the world of Notre Dame to life. Eme Looney is serving as both assistant director and costume designer. Music Director Ashley Green leads the cast through the show’s demanding score, while Choreographer Makenna Clark and Fight Choreographer Jonah Hardt ensure that every movement on stage reflects the show’s tension and drama.
Hardt, who also doubles as the show’s Scenic Designer, and Lighting Designer David Broberg will transform the Granbury Opera House into a vision of medieval Paris. Costumes by Eme Looney and sound design by Kyle Hoffman will complete the experience. The show is Stage Managed by Whitney Shearon assisted by Kylie Cummins.
Don’t Miss This Theatrical Event
Whether you’re a longtime fan of The Hunchback of Notre Dame or experiencing this story for the first time, the Granbury Theatre Company’s production is sure to leave a lasting impression. With its timeless message of love and acceptance, combined with the artistic talents of the cast and crew, this is a show you won’t want to miss. The bells of Notre Dame are ringing—will you answer the call?
Make sure to catch The Hunchback of Notre Dame at the Historic Granbury Opera House from September 20th through October 13th. Tickets are available now online at www.granburytheatrecompany.org or by calling the Opera House box office at 817-579-0952.
