"The Hunchback of Notre Dame" Opens at Santa Monica College
Students at Santa Monica College bring "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" to life at the Theater Arts building on the main campus.
Santa Monica College (SMC) Theater Arts and Music Departments brought majestic hymns and Roma culture to the main campus with their production of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” The musical ran its first three performances from March 31 to April 2 and is a spectacle filled with a grand cathedral set, colorful costumes and Flamenco inspired dance numbers.
“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” is based on the Victor Hugo novel and the Disney animated film and tells the story of Quasimodo, a deformed and captive orphan who dreams of the outside world.
“I grew up with the Disney movie,” said Tayla Sindel, who plays Esmerelda. “And I love how this musical is kind of in-between the Disney movie, the source material, and I think it’s just beautiful.”
When Quasimodo meets Esmerelda, an enchanting woman who protects him from an angry mob, his life turns upside down. The outsider gains the courage to protect his new friend and escapes his captor Archdeacon Frollo, played by Levi Booker. The musical explores the question that is stated throughout the show, “What makes a monster and what makes a man?”
The production is three years in the making, as director Perviz Sawoski originally auditioned and began rehearsals on the musical at the beginning of 2020, before production was forced to be put on hold. Half of the cast, including Booker, is returning after three years.
“I was really bummed when we weren’t able to do it,” said Booker, who is dedicating his performance to his late mother. “It feels great to be back. This is my love letter to my mom.”
The titular hunchback is played by two SMC students, Elliott Moore and Brayden Handwerger. Both students will alternate playing the role, giving each actor three nights to perform.
“It’s certainly different, but I’ve honestly enjoyed the process,” Handwerger said. “It’s kind of cool to get to see how another person takes the role on. It’s been a nice process.”
The musical tragedy is balanced by the diverse performances of its leads. Quasimodo’s high spirit and hunched stature contrasts Frollo’s controlled rigidness and elongated posture. Sindel brings a generous heart guarded by sultry charm to Esmerelda.
“Every character has their own little micro-themes. They leave no stone unturned in that regard,” Handwerger said.
SMC Chamber Choir, directed by Dr. Jeremiah Selvey, stands behind a sheer screen adorned in red cloaks as they sing the chorus throughout the show. Sawoski explained this was the choir’s first time collaborating with the theater department since she has been at SMC and said “it’s a dream.”
“It’s kind of exciting because we all work in our own individual bubbles all the time, and it’s nice to see the work that each other is doing with the students,” Selvey said.
While “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” is filled with flashy dance numbers and an intricate score, it is also embedded with history. The leading lady, Esmeralda, is referred to as a “gypsy” in the show which has now been deemed a slur. The correct term, as explained by Sawoski, is “Roma.” Sawoski, who was born in India, writes the history of the Roma in her director's note located in the program.
“They are not that much discussed, so it’s important to me that they are acknowledged,” Sawoski said. “I’m not that culture, I just happen to be born in that country, but, you know, I feel sort of connected with that.”
Booker said he is excited to play a complex villain, and feels the tale of Quasimodo and Esmerelda is a story that everyone can relate to. He believes that the musical is a great introduction into the theater world for any newcomer looking to see their first show.
“This is one of the most talented casts I’ve seen for a local production,” Booker said. “I feel like if you’ve never seen a theater production before, this is probably something that would make you fall in love with theater.”
“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” will have its final three performances on Friday, April 7 and April 8 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee on April 9 at 2 p.m. The production will be in the Theater Arts building on the Main Campus, and tickets can be purchased at www.smc.edu/tickets or at the Events Box Office.
