I’m so happy we had Amarillo Little Theatre’s Jason Crespin (Academy Director) and Kayden Burns (Actor, ALT Academy) stopped by High Plains Morning this week to share information about their new production at the ALT Main Stage (2019 Civic Circle, Amarillo): The Hunchback of Notre Dame. It opens THIS WEEKEND in Amarillo with these shows: Friday, July 19 @ 7:30 pm; Saturday, July 20 @ 2:30 pm & 7:30 pm; and Sunday, July 21 @ 2:30 pm.
Presented by ALT Academy & AAA Electric, it’s a balance of the French Gothic novel by Victor Hugo and the whimsy of the Disney musical, this show sounds like a pure delight for those who like their theatre to have a little more weight, reflecting the original literature. Jason says that while this production does get a little dark, it remains quite uplifting as well (“…and it’s SO GOOD!”, he promises). Be ye warned: they recommend that kids attending are about 10 years or older.
For tickets, call the box office at (806) 355-9991 to reserve by phone, or go online here. To hear our full interview, click the link below:
MORE ABOUT THE SHOW: This is the regional premiere of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. This new version of the story embraces the darker elements of the original Victor Hugo novel to provide audiences a dynamic, serious story which soars with the fantastic music of Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz. Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer of the Notre Dame Cathedral, has spent his life locked in a tower by his guardian, archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo. Longing to be with other people, Quasimodo escapes to spend one day ‘out there,’ which leads to his chance encounter with the enchanting gypsy, Esmeralda. Quasimodo isn’t the only one captivated by her free spirit though. The handsome Captain Phoebus and Frollo are equally enthralled. As the three vie for her attention and Frollo attempts to destroy the gypsies, the musical poses the question, “What makes a monster and what makes a man?” and explores what it means to be a truly good.
ALT Academy has assembled a talented cast of 27 students plus a large choir to bring this epic new musical to life. Academy Director Jason Crespin directs with Academy Instructor Brandon Bellar serving as Music Director; Tana Roberson as Scenic Designer; and Carrie Huckabay as Costume Designer. Academy parent Krystal Burns serves as Assistant Director; Socorra Carrillo serves as Assistant Music Director; and Charlie Turner and Carla Fristoe serve as Production Assistants. This bold and dramatic musical promises to transport audiences back to fifteenth century Paris and inside the cathedral walls July 19th-21st. Make your reservations today!
Content Advisory: The Hunchback of Notre Dame is recommended for ages 10 and up. While highly entertaining — featuring a mesmerizing musical score and beautiful visuals — this production contains darker, more mature themes than most Disney stories.
