My greatest pleasure throughout the design, production, and execution of the show has been the understanding that I have been trusted. At 19 years old, I have been trusted by a cast of incredibly talented actors to deliver my greatest knowledge and understanding of this beautiful show for them to interpret and give to the audience; by the production staff to stay collected and organized as well as stay communicative of my wants and needs; especially by Dr. Kathy Phipps, to follow the precedent of impactful and beautiful Agape shows that she and many others have set. I am honored and eternally thankful for this gratifying opportunity and experience.
Victor Hugo’s original novel presents Paris as a gorgeous city that can be seen from all angles of the Notre Dame Cathedral, and that the soul of the city is held in tolls of the bells ringing, keeping all of the citizens of Paris in time with each other. It’s a commonality; something every congregant can relate to each other on. Paris is also described to be a living creature; one that breaths, sings, and moves. In my opinion, this is why each character is presented as a congregant telling a story that took place within their mother, their home, keeping in time with the tolls of the bells. These ideas inspired me to keep a consistent flow throughout our production with as little blackouts or pauses as possible. It presents a spectacle that the story keeps moving, and that in every angle of Paris there is something new happening. We don’t have time for many blackouts or pauses in time; we must keep moving!
It is no secret how deeply rich and meaningful the score and book of The Hunchback of Notre Dame is; each week of rehearsals I was consistently learning more about the script that I had studied simply by watching these performers. In these actors, I saw the innocence in Quasimodo, the strength in Esmeralda, the deep hatred in Frollo, the ambition in Phoebus, and so much more. The voice of the Lord within the choir, singing the words of truth down upon the unfortunate souls on the stage. The complicated relationships as well as the heartbreaking but inevitable resolutions of these conflicts. It is in these moments that I realized that this story must continue to be told.
As I age and mature, it will have so much more to give me, as I was learning even week to week. To be exposed to the significance of this story at this height is a blessing. Every retelling of this show will offer something new, and it is my greatest hope that you will leave the theatre tonight with an impact that leaves you truly wondering “what makes a monster, and what makes a man?”
Brynn Hensley
Save the Date Alert