By Mindy Pedlar
This season’s Cabrillo Stage production is The Hunchback of Notre Dame based on Victor Hugo’s timeless novel, showcasing songs from Disney’s Academy Award-nominated score, with new songs by Menken and Schwartz performed by a live orchestra, the cast and a full onstage choir.
In celebration and acknowledgement of the work ahead, Andrea has gathered those who will help her bring this magnificent show to life — the creative directors, designers, stage managers, box office and administrative staff — for a quick photo before decision day begins.
At 10 a.m., the stage fills with nearly 60 talented performers who have been called back to attend Cabrillo Stage’s final round of auditions.
Each singer/dancer/actor had been emailed sheet music and a YouTube link featuring Brance Souza performing the dance combination to review. Those called back for a specific character had also been sent sides (theater lingo for portions of the script).
Audition accompanist, Jonathan Dryden, is at the baby grand piano; Cheryl Anderson, choir director, gives a reassuring smile to the group as Michael J. McGushin, musical director/conductor, invites them to stand and sing 18 measures of the dramatically thrilling, “Finale Ultimo.”
The sound is amazing, powerful and beautiful. Anderson is beaming and McGushin says, “Wow, I wish I could hire you all.”
It was an excellent start to a long, but creatively fulfilling day.
Brance Souza, choreographer, led the dance call, reviewing the steps to the lively and challenging dance combination he created. As the day progressed, actors read specific scenes coached by the director, Vinh G. Nuygen.
And though it made the casting decisions more difficult, the creative team felt fortunate to have so many exuberant, talented and qualified singer/dancer/actors from which to choose.
By the end of the day, choices have been made and casting is nearing completion. On with the show!
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Tickets are available online beginning April 1. All performances are in the Crocker Theater on the Cabrillo College campus in Aptos. Box Office opens for phone & walk in sales June 15, Thursday – Saturdays 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. • 831-479-6154. www.cabrillostage.com
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Top Photo: Andrea Hart (fourth from left), Cabrillo Stage’s new Artistic Director.