Smyrna’s Springhouse Theatre Company will present the powerful and visually stunning musical The Hunchback of Notre Dame this September, inviting audiences to experience a story of love, belonging, courage and redemption set against the breathtaking backdrop of medieval Paris.
Shows are set for 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays Sept. 11, 12, 18 and 19; and 3:30 p.m. on Sundays Sept. 13 and 20.
Based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel and the Disney animated film, The Hunchback of Notre Dame features music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. The musical pairs a dramatic story with a soaring score that has become one of the most celebrated in musical theater.
At the heart of the story is Quasimodo, portrayed by local actor Matthew Henry. As the isolated bell-ringer of Notre Dame Cathedral, Quasimodo has spent much of his life hidden from the world, longing to experience life beyond the cathedral walls. His encounter with Esmeralda, a young woman whose compassion defies the prejudices surrounding them, challenges everything he has been taught about himself and the world beyond Notre Dame.
“The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a show that really stops you in your tracks,” said director Charlotte Myhre Shealy, who also serves as artistic director of Springhouse Theatre Company. “It has been a dream of mine to direct this show for years,” she says, “because, for all its grandeur and tragedy, I want audiences to feel the moments of hope—the hope that comes when we live our lives with compassion, a choice any one of us can make.”
Springhouse’s production will feature an expansive cast, creative team and choir from all across Middle Tennessee, resulting in an undertaking unlike anything previously produced at Springhouse. Along with Henry, the cast includes numerous accomplished local performers, including Aaron Arseneault as Dom Claude Frollo, Ella Clarybrooks as Esmeralda, and Brooks Bennett as Captain Phoebus De Martin. Rounding out the cast are Aaron Catron, Elijah Mayberry, Evan Price, Kristian Rarig, Micah Duncan, Anna Jones, Tucker Young, Jacob Jackson, Jarret Royer, Dylan Ellis, Christian Bare, Sophie True, Kaelyn Rozgony, and Maya Mezgel.
“The role of Quasimodo is masterfully played by Matthew Henry,” Shealy said. “He gives us an emotionally raw, open-hearted performance that captivates the viewer, allowing them to soar with him in love and yearn to help him in despair. In one of the most vocally challenging roles in musical theater, Henry delivers a powerful and triumphant performance.”
Producer Bethany Hays spoke highly of Charlotte Myhre Shealy’s directing abilities. “Being a small part of the innovative vision she brings to every production is a joy,” Hays said. “She has a distinct way of bringing together the most talented people on- and off-stage to put on the most moving and delightful theater experiences.”
The creative team supporting the production includes Josh Burfeind as music director, Miranda Laurent as choreographer (assisted by Cartavious Smith), Zahra Alsooz as stage manager, and Valerie Ferkany as assistant director. Veronica Roeder leads costume design, with Cari Powell overseeing props, while Robert True and Jason Young have teamed up for scenic design. Kristian Rarig leads lighting design with assistance from Jonathan Holding, and Cooper Davis serves as sound engineer with assistance from Leo Garcia. Libby Adelmeyer oversees makeup design, Sarah Marie Smith serves as backstage deck manager, and Haydin Oechsle serves as the production’s promotional photographer.
Cast member Sophie True says the production “challenges us to look beyond appearances, to find beauty in unexpected places, and to recognize that everyone has a story worth hearing.”
Beyond its sweeping music and theatrical spectacle, The Hunchback of Notre Dame explores themes of prejudice, power, justice, mercy, and what it means to truly see and value another person. These themes deeply reflect Springhouse Theatre Company’s mission to tell redemptive stories while cultivating community through the performing arts.
Performances will run September 11–20. Springhouse Theatre Company is located at 14119 Old Nashville Hwy., Smyrna. For tickets and additional information, visit springhousetheatre.com.
