CBU bringing ‘The Hunchback’ to the stage

Riverside, Calif. (March 26, 2024) – The Wallace Theater at California Baptist University brings to life the captivating story of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” opening on April 5.

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 Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, said Lisa Lyons, adjunct professor of theatre and the director of the performance.

There are some differences from the original novel — cuts were made and characters combined — but the central message of the book was preserved.

Man vs. Monster Themes

The story of Quasimodo, the main character, has many wonderful themes, Lyons said.  

“One of the themes is ’What makes a monster and what makes a man,’" she said. "Quasimodo is called a ‘monster,’ but there is another character in the story that is really the monster.”

Charles Martinez, a sophomore majoring in theater and music, plays Frollo, the play’s antagonist. He learned that playing a villain is both fun and challenging.

"We all have something in common with a villain, as it is all about the choices we make that make us who we are," Martinez said. "What makes a monster and what makes a man is the big question in this show for me, and my character has shown me that anyone can be a monster."

His challenge was finding his character’s voice, literally.

"The music is written for a lower voice, and naturally, I speak higher, so being able to find a balance and do it safely and sound good has been a challenge," Martinez said.

Creating Technical Illusions on Stage

One of the challenges for putting on the show was space, Lyons said.

"We don't have room for Quasimodo to ring the large bells of Notre Dame. We are using projections to fix that," she said.

Martinez said that the show was so amazing because of the fascinating characters and actors who played them along with elements that went to putting the show together.

"The technical elements by faculty and student designers is something I admire and can't wait for the audience to see," he said.

Kevin Walls, an engineering senior, plays two characters — Dupin, a priest of Notre Dame, and Frederich, an officer in the guard.

"I get to be in several fights throughout the show, and the process of refining those has been fun," Walls said. "I think it’s cool that even the smaller parts serve to enhance the quality of the production as a whole."

He said that he hoped the audience appreciates the effort the cast has been putting in and enjoys the phenomenal show.

"We have been working hard at rehearsals nearly every night since January and are excited to perform," Walls said. "’The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ is one of the darker Disney shows and thus has some more interesting themes to play with."

Focus on Outcasts

Lyons said that there is a message from the Bible in “Hunchback” as Esmeralda, one of the characters, sings a beautiful song called "God Help the Outcasts."

“We have the Romani people who were considered outcasts in this society as well as Quasimodo," Lyons said. The message is directed toward them.

Vienna Aguas, a theater freshman, plays a Romani woman.

"I have learned that even when playing a supporting role, your part is so crucial to the entirety of the play. Everything you do is important to the story you're telling as a cast even if you're an ensemble role," Aguas said.

She said that the most challenging part for her was finding ways to connect to her character's story in a personal way to help her while performing. 

"I hope the audience is not only inspired and touched emotionally but they leave the show reflecting on their own life and story," Aguas said. 

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame”
When: 7 p.m. April 5-6, 12-13; 2 p.m. April 6, 13-14
Where: Wallace Theatre, California Baptist University, 8432 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, CA, 92504
For tickets or more information, please click here.