An epic musical story of love, acceptance, and what it means to be a hero.
Music by Alan Menken Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz Book by Peter Parnell
Directed by Aja Gianola-Norris Music Direction by Aja Gianola-Norris & William O'Neill Teen Cast Directed by Ezra Hernandez Choreography by Sarah McDonald
2020 Show Dates
Friday, February 28th @ 7:30PM Saturday, February 29th @ 7:30PM *Sunday, March 1st @ 2PM (*ASL interpreted show)
*Friday, March 6th @ 7:30PM (*ASL interpreted show) Saturday, March 7th @ 7:30PM Sunday, March 8th @ 2PM
All shows at the brand new Rancho Cotate High School Theater Arts Auditorium 5450 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park, CA
About this production
In our production, the lead character, Quasimodo, will be played by a Deaf actor. This casting choice is true to the Victor Hugo novel and a unique opportunity to integrate hearing and Deaf culture in the arts.
Our Quasimodo, played by Christopher DeSouza, will be performing his part in American Sign Language, while simultaneously, a second actor will be his speaking and singing voice. Some of our shows will have ASL interpreters of all the spoken dialogue in the shows for Deaf audience members.
Show synopsis
"Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, The Hunchback of Notre Dame showcases the film’s Academy Award-nominated score, as well as new songs by Menken and Schwartz. Peter Parnell’s new book embraces story theatre and features verbatim passages from Hugo’s gothic novel.
The musical begins as the bells of Notre Dame sound through the famed cathedral in fifteenth-century Paris. Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer who longs to be "Out There," observes all of Paris reveling in the Feast of Fools. Held captive by his devious caretaker, the archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo, he escapes for the day and joins the boisterous crowd, only to be treated cruelly by all but the beautiful gypsy, Esmeralda. Quasimodo isn’t the only one captivated by her free spirit, though the handsome Captain Phoebus and Frollo are equally enthralled. As the three vie for her attention, Frollo embarks on a mission to destroy the gypsies – and it’s up to Quasimodo to save them all. A sweeping score and powerful story make The Hunchback of Notre Dame an instant classic. Audiences will be swept away by the magic of this truly unforgettable musical."
Music to My Ears delights in making the world a better place through musicals! Storytelling, sharing our art, fostering actors emotional and vocal growth and bringing the community together are all a part of every show we do. We highly value the contributions of every person and look forward to the opportunity to work with you.