January 18, 2025
Article and Photos by Jim Scofield
This month, the incredible vocalists of Rise Up Arts Alliance are bringing Victor Hugo’s tragic tale The Hunchback of Notre Dame to Lancaster audiences.
In 19th century Paris, the Archdeacon of Notre Dame, Dom Claude Frollo, takes in a disfigured infant. Frollo names the child “Quasimodo” meaning “half formed” and keeps the boy imprisoned in the cathedral’s bell tower.
Quasimodo grows up lonely, wishing to be “Out There” with other people. One day, concealed by a cloak he escapes his tower to join the city’s “Feast of Fools” celebration. When his deformity is revealed, the cruel crowd taunts Quasimodo until a Roma girl named Esmeralda comes to his defense.
Frollo lusts for the Esmeralda but she rebuffs his advances and goes into hiding. Fueled by anger and self-righteous disdain, Frollo orders the genocide of all Romani people living in France.
Audience members should be aware that the performance doesn’t mirror the beloved animated movie.
“It’s a lot closer to the book than to the Disney movie, but you’ll still hear all your favorite songs, and all your favorite characters are there,” said Leo Bennett, who plays Captain Phoebus de Martin.
According to Weston McAloney, who stars as Quasimodo, “It’s the Disney music that everybody loves, but it goes so much harder into the material that Victor Hugo originally wrote. Being able to see that on stage with a company that specifically focuses on education and safe acting practices. I’ve been so impressed that the company has provided such a safe environment to tell this really hard story.”
“Everybody’s such a great family and that’s wonderful. Rise Up is magical,” stated Emily Hampton, who plays Esmeralda in Cast A.
Rise Up Arts Alliance has the mission of bringing theatre arts to the community regardless of socioeconomic status. The program provides theatrical experiences for all students and adults who want to participate, enhancing their self-esteem and helping to promote and develop each person’s belief in their own unique blend of abilities.
The group’s mission is to provide continuous learning, with the educational process being as important as the finished product. While having a primarily adult cast, Hunchback features students as young as the fifth grade. Rise Up Arts Alliance is committed to professionalism, diversity, accessibility, and inclusivity.
Juan Dunlap, who brings energy to the role of Clopin (the leader of the Romani group), said that, “It’s really impressive what a little group in Lancaster can put on the stage. It’s one of those kind of shows that will leave a lasting impact on you.”
A sweeping score and powerful story make The Hunchback of Notre Dame an instant classic. Audiences will be swept away by the magic of this truly unforgettable musical.
“You definitely want to not miss this one,” said Bennett.
Tickets can be purchased at Rise Up Arts Alliance’s website. Shows occur on January 24 at 7pm; on January 25 at 2pm and 7pm; January 26 at 4pm; January 31 at 7pm; February 1 at 2pm and 7pm; and February 2 at 4pm.
Sunday performances will feature an American Sign Language interpreter near the stage on the right side.
All performances are at the Lancaster Parks and Recreation Community Center, the Old General Sherman Jr. High, at 632 W 5th Ave in Lancaster.
Pre-sale tickets cost $15 for adults & students 12 and up; $13 for seniors and military; and $10 for students 3-11. At the door, tickets cost an additional $3.
Mocktails will be available before the show and at intermission. The concession stand will open one hour before showtime.
The next show from Rise Up will be the children’s production, Rainbow Fish, the weekend of May 16.
