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'Hunchback' carries message for 21st century
McCOOK, Neb. -- The story is set in 1482 Paris and written in 1831, but it’s hard not see a message for 21st century America.
With elaborate wooden sets, the Southwest Nebraska Community Theatre production of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” also elicits a sense of sadness with the knowledge that the wooden spire and forest of beams were destroyed in a 2019 fire -- even the lead roof is mentioned in the production.
Six centuries haven’t erased prejudice like that suffered by the seductive yet vulnerable Esmeralda (Abby Allen) and her fellow Romani, or indignities suffered by Quasimodo himself, played with just the right intensity by Ryan Hardin in only his second SWNCTA production.
The day before Harvey Weinstein was sentenced to 23 years in jail for the rape and imposing his will on vulnerable women, it’s hard to feel sympathy for Dom Claude Frollo (SWNCTA veteran Charles Coleman) who suffers a fate befitting of a 15th century purveyor of #MeToo offense and sexually abusive clergyman.
The overall darkness of the production is broken by the colorful Festival of Fools celebration, when outcasts are welcomed into town to the dismay of Archdeacon Frollo, haunted by the memory of his ne’er-do-well brother Jehan, played by Tim Miller, who also provides the dashing leading man Capt. Phoebus.
Directed by Brandy Forshey, assisted by Pam Messinger, the production benefits greatly from the talents of cast music director Christy Stevens and choral director Evie Caldwell, and the many talented voices of the choir and ensemble.
Nor would the production succeed with the elaborate set created by Chuck and Diane Trail and crew, costumes by Sheryl Havens and crew, and visuals of stained glass and ringing bells controlled by Wayne Nelson and crew.
Rounding out the cast are Sean Griffin as Clopin Trouillefou, Sarah Hardin as Florika, Rachel Gordine as the madam, James Coady as King Louis, Mark Carmen as the amusing St. Aphrodisius and Konnor Witt as Frederick Charles. SWNCTA regulars Beth Hoyt, Kathy Latta and Joel Miller join many others in the ensemble of gypsies, gargoyles, statues, soldiers, revelers, parishioners, priests, prostitutes and Parisians who tell the story.
Opening night is 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Fox Theatre in downtown McCook, and again Tuesday March 17, Friday March 20 and Saturday March 21.
Matinees are this Sunday at 2 p.m. and next Sunday, March 22, at the same time.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for Grades 6-12, $5 for grades 5 and below.
They’re available at Janssen-Kool Honda, Hometown Family Radio, High Plains Radio of at the door an hour before the show.
With six performances, there’s no reason not to enjoy one of the best SWNCTA productions to date.
If you have a cough or are feeling ill, by all means stay home, especially if you’re running a fever.
Even if you can’t attend, buy a ticket in a well-deserved show of support for the dozens of volunteers who have donated many hours of their time to make our community a better place.
See a gallery of photos here.