Pennsauken Stages To Perform “The Hunchback Of Notre Dame”
By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
Pennsauken Stages is pleased to announce their production of the popular musical, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” Comprised of talented students and staff from Pennsauken High School, the group, which won two Cappies awards last year, is excited to bring “Hunchback” to life for local audiences April 2-5.
“I love shows that can feature as many actors as possible; that’s the first thing we as a staff look for: what has the most for students to learn and grow from. ‘Hunchback’ has that,” says Kate Brown, vocal music director at Pennsauken High School. “In addition to that, it’s a phenomenal story with great music.”
“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” is a musical based on both the famous 1831 novel written by Victor Hugo, as well as Disney’s animated 1996 film, which featured the voice talents of Demi Moore, Kevin Kline, Jason Alexander, and Tom Hulce, among others. Telling the story of Quasimodo, the deformed recluse who rings the bells at Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral, “Hunchback” features a musical score from the iconic Alan Menken, with songs written by Menken and lyricist Stephen Schwartz.
“It’s what you know from Disney, expanded,” explains Brown. “There are new songs added, but it has all your favorite ones from the movie.”
In addition to new songs, there are some things you’ll see in this production that you wouldn’t necessarily find in a high school musical. There are sixth eighth graders from Phifer Middle School performing in the play, as a way to get more of Pennsauken’s “school family” involved. And in an interesting twist, this rendition of “Hunchback” is looking to break a language barrier. In the book, Quasimodo is deaf due to the loud ringing of the bells. PHS Junior Christian Burkhart, who has aspirations to become an interpreter when he’s older, is incorporating American Sign Language into his role.
“Christian is signing his lines in the show,” says Brown. “It was first done by Fifth Avenue Theatre in Seattle; we’re bringing it here to Pennsauken.”
Brown went on to say that Pennsauken Stages’ production of “Hunchback” is a great learning experience for many of these budding performers.
“There are students dancing who haven’t danced before and people playing villains that haven’t before,” says Brown.
That includes Logan Endes, a sophomore who’s playing the role of the main antagonist, Frollo, the Archdeacon of Notre Dame.
“It’s a moving show that has a deep message, one that can apply to today,” says Endes. “It’s fun to do this as the villain.
“There’s a song, ‘Hellfire,’ I get to sing. It’s a great song for someone with my vocal range. I like all of the music.”
There are also a lot of students working behind the scenes to quite literally set the stage for Quasimodo, Esmeralda, Frollo, and the entire cast of the musical. Aleksei Knaus, a senior at PHS who is serving as art director for “Hunchback,” has been part of stage crew all four years. She’s excited to be working with her classmates to bring a piece of 1800s Paris to Pennsauken.
“I like being able to frame the performances with the set and lighting,” explains Knaus. “The audience may not see that at first, but they appreciate it.”
Aleksei and the rest of the stage crew are in the middle of building a balcony with large balustrade, a gypsy caravan, as well as a stage within a stage, all to create the perfect environment for the performance.
“There’s a lot of hard work behind this and I think the colors being used for the sets are fascinating,” says Knaus. “The audience is really going to like it.”
“I love these bigger ensemble shows, where it isn’t just about the two main leads,” adds Brown. “I think the community will enjoy it too. Come out and see these talented kids!” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” will be performed at Pennsauken High School’s auditorium, located at 800 Hylton Rd. The shows on April 2-4 begin at 7:00 p.m. There is a matinee on Sunday, April 5, at 2:00 p.m. Tickets for “Hunchback” at Pennsauken High School are just $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. Group tickets rates are available for parties of 20 and more; and tickets will also be available for purchase at the door. For more information, or to buy tickets in advance, call (856) 662-8500 x5273.
