The Archbishop Carroll Theater Society’s fall production of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” is officially underway. Auditions and rehearsals began in late August, and two-and-a-half musical numbers are near completion.
Senior Emmie Menna said the show had come a long way in a short time.
“Dances are coming together, songs are being sung, and I’m really excited for the show because it’s something different,” Menna said. “It’s more mature; darker, one might say.”
“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” follows a quiet hunchback named Quasimodo (played by junior Brian Garwood), who is the cathedral bell ringer, and Esmerelda (played by senior Sofia Biddle), a young gypsy girl, and how their forbidden love sparks a downwards spiral within Notre Dame. Quasimodo is ordered to kidnap Esmerelda and bring her back to his caretaker, Claude Frollo (played by senior Brandon Rivera) the archdeacon of Notre Dame, because he’s infatuated with her. Despite the lighthearted aspects of certain numbers and scenes, this, overall, is a darker production than usual for ACTS, especially compared to previous fall productions such as “James and the Giant Peach,” and “The Wizard of Oz.”
“Hunchback” marks the first time Garwood has had a lead in an ACTS production.
“I feel that there are a lot of other people that could have gotten the role,” Garwood said. “I’m grateful that I’m the one that got it. I’m extremely excited about being the face of ACTS for this show.”
Although Garwood has one of the lead roles, nearly all cast members have their own special parts and their own moments to shine in the ensemble-heavy production. Junior Brenna Timothy expressed her excitement about her role as a gargoyle.
“[I]t’s the biggest role I’ve had in ACTS,” Timothy said. “I’m looking forward to acting with the other gargoyles and statues.”
“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” will be performed 7 p.m. November 14, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. November 15, and 2 p.m. November 16 in Carroll’s auditorium. Information about ticket sales has not been released yet, but can be found on the ACTS Instagram page: @carrolltheater.
