I am extremely honored to present this work at OTHS. As this is my first year at OTHS and the first musical production that I have been a part of here, I wanted the show to be something that was dear to my heart. Of all of the Disney films, The Hunchback of Notre Dame has always been my favorite musical score. Alan Menkin has created a soundscape that envelops the listeners and transports them instantly to the steps of the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris. The lush. sweeping score is one of the most difficult in the musical theatre canon. Menkin has penned a masterpiece of musical theatre that also includes an original Romantic Era requiem mass.
In addition to beautiful music, this story can especially resonate with audiences of today. It tackles such current themes as immigrant populations, church scandal, and discrimination based on otherness. Theatre has the power to not only transport the audience, but to hold up a mirror and make us reflect on our values and beliefs. My hope is that the audience will leave this experience and have meaningful conversations on its implications to our modern world.
I had the privilege to visit the city of Paris and Notre Dame cathedral a year ago. It is easy to see why Victor Hugo was so inspired by the gothic architecture of the structure that he wrote an epic novel to encapsulate it. Our beautiful set designs attempt to recreate the grandeur of Notre Dame herself. Terry Pattison has masterfully accomplished this mammoth task, and for that I am forever grateful.
I hope you enjoy this production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and that you continue to support the arts in our schools. I am so proud of the hard work and dedication of our students and staff in making this a truly special show. Vive le théâtre!
Erick Price
Director of Choirs
O'Fallon Township High School
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