By Mindy Pedlar
Singing beautiful music in harmony with others is one of my greatest joys.
Yes! Rehearsals have begun for Cabrillo Stage’s production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame based on Victor Hugo’s timeless novel, featuring songs from Disney’s Academy Award-nominated score.
Musical Director Michael McGushin describes the score as “lush and full of drama.” As he works with us, it’s clear he understands the musical nuances of the score and never loses sight of the story we are telling. With his clear instruction and commitment to quality, we know we are creating something truly special.
McGushin will also be conducting the full live orchestra, a key component of every Cabrillo Stage production. Meanwhile, renowned and inspirational Choir Director Cheryl Anderson prepares the onstage choir that will add more layers of harmony and vocal dynamics to this sweeping score.
“The choral-inspired music is very impressive to me,” says Director Vinh Nguyen who grew up in a Catholic household and sang in the choir throughout high school.
Vinh is drawn to the deep messages of this story “which condemns the mistreatment of people who are different than we are and preaches love, acceptance and unity. Hunchback of Notre Dame is a grand, epic musical but I want to make sure we maintain the heart and humanity of the story.”
Vinh is excited to be collaborating with his cast “to explore these beloved characters in greater depths and celebrate the artistry and diversity of our performers.”
Such a large-scale show demands that the set must also be epic and grand! A challenge Scenic Designer Skip Epperson has embraced. His set design is amazing.
As an integral part of Cabrillo Stage, Skip feels he “has been blessed to enjoy working with the tremendous artists who have been part of Cabrillo Stage. Whether designing scenery, constructing sets, building props, or painting backdrops, I am always inspired by the quality of work that each production brings forth both onstage and backstage.”
With each show Skip works to create an inspiring theatrical space that can be explored by insightful directors, designers, technicians and casts who will “breathe life and excitement into this world transporting our audience for a couple of hours. To me, every show is an honor to share.”
The sets come together with the expertise of Resident Technical Director Marcel Tjioe, who enjoys the standards of excellence and collaborative environment of working with Cabrillo Stage. The show will be further enhanced by Brance Sousa’s lively, creative choreography and of course, glorious costumes by Designer Maria Crush.
New Artistic Director Andrea Hart could not be prouder of this remarkable cast and production team.
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Tickets are online at CabrilloStage.com. All performances are in the Crocker Theater on the Cabrillo College campus, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos. Box Office opens for phone & walk-in sales June 15, Thurs. – Sat., Noon-6 p.m. 831-479-6154.
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Top Photo: Musical Director Michael McGushin begins rehearsal for “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.”