by Lorie Lewis Ham
This weekend the epic musical The Hunchback of Notre Dame will be opening at the Ice House Theatre in Visalia, presented by the Visalia Players. Recently we chatted with the show’s director, Kelly Ventura, about the show.
KRL: Why did you choose to do The Hunchback of Notre Dame?
Kelly: As a director, I was intrigued by The Hunchback of Notre Dame with its profound themes of love, respect, and acceptance. And underpinning all of this was the message that love triumphs over fear. I was drawn to these themes, as well as the dark, gothic, romantic, and mysterious atmosphere of the show. These are beginning to be common themes in shows I’m drawn to. Directing this production became an opportunity to delve into this medieval world and explore these universal themes, and I am really looking forward to sharing all of this with the audience.
KRL: For anyone not familiar with this show, can you tell us briefly what it is about? Does it differ much from the Disney movie?
Kelly: This show is the inspiring tale of Quasimodo, a misunderstood bell-ringer of Notre Dame Cathedral, and his journey to find acceptance in a society that shuns him. While it shares elements from the Disney film – there are songs featured in this production from the Disney film – in my opinion the musical created by Stephen Schwartz and Alan Menken takes its cues more from Victor Hugo’s original novel, delving deeper into its complexities and portraying the raw emotions of its characters.
KRL: Any special challenges to directing this show?
Kelly: Directing The Hunchback of Notre Dame presented unique challenges. I provided my creative team with a very lengthy concept statement about 4 months before we started rehearsals, and each of them have done a fantastic job working to bring what was in my head onto the stage.
The most rewarding aspect of directing this show was witnessing the transformation of the cast as they embodied their characters and brought the story to life with passion and dedication. I am very proud of each cast member. They have met this challenging production head-on and have committed 100%. Seeing their growth and dedication to the production was truly inspiring.
We really worked to bring the world of medieval Paris to the audience and aim to transport them to another time and place while staying true to the essence of the story. We wanted to create an immersive experience for everyone.
KRL: Will there be any familiar faces in this show?
Kelly: While audiences may recognize some familiar faces in our cast, each actor brings a fresh perspective to their role, breathing new life into these iconic characters. We were fortunate to have been able to cast several new faces to Visalia Players. It has been my goal to create a collaborative, creative, and inclusive environment where each performer’s thoughts and ideas are welcome and encouraged. It’s exciting to see how they interpret and embody the essence of Quasimodo, Esmeralda, and the other beloved characters.
KRL: What are the performance dates?
Kelly: Mark your calendars for the performance dates: April 26-May 26. Join us on these dates to experience the magic of The Hunchback of Notre Dame live on stage.
KRL: Where can people purchase tickets?
Kelly: Tickets are available for purchase at visaliaicehouse.com now! We offer group discounts as well for 10 or more. Don’t miss your chance to experience this captivating production! Reserve your seats now and be part of this unforgettable theatrical journey.
KRL: Anything else you would like to add?
Kelly: I am immensely proud of the hard work and dedication that went into bringing The Hunchback of Notre Dame to the stage. I hope our audience will be moved and inspired by this timeless story of love, courage, and acceptance.
Watch for KRL’s review of the show!
If you love theatre, be sure to check out Mysteryrat’s Maze Podcast, which features mysteries read by local actors. You can find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and also on podbean.
Check out more theatre reviews & other local entertainment articles in our Arts & Entertainment section. You can also find more theatre coming up on KRL’s Local Theatre event page.
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