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City of Fairfax Theatre Co. will bring a sweeping story of love, oppression and heroism to the stage July 18-26 with “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.”
The production, based on Victor Hugo’s novel and the Disney film, follows Quasimodo, a kindhearted bellringer hidden inside Notre Dame Cathedral in 15th-century Paris by his guardian, Archdeacon Claude Frollo. Quasimodo longs to experience life beyond the cathedral and forms a bond with Esmeralda, a Romani woman fighting for freedom and justice.
Director Zachary Flick said the musical examines how society treats people differently because of their appearance, body type, skin color or disability. He sees Quasimodo and Esmeralda’s relationship as an example of how kindness and shared humanity can change the world.
“It’s a story about radical kindness, standing up to oppression and finding your voice to speak out for what’s right,” Flick said. He added that its themes resonate amid present-day debates about immigrants and people with different languages, cultures and customs.
The cast and crew includes 55 people from across the Washington metropolitan area. A 15-piece orchestra will accompany the performers, while a three-level, deconstructed Notre Dame set will feature a rose-style stained-glass window and bell tower.
Little Rocky Run resident Andreas Moffett plays Frollo, whom he described as manipulative, intelligent and self-righteous. Although Frollo serves as a father figure to Quasimodo and expresses love for him, his hatred of Romani people shapes his treatment of both Quasimodo and Esmeralda.
Moffett said the role challenges him physically because, as a classically trained tenor, he must sing bass. It is also emotionally demanding to convincingly portray a character whose beliefs are the opposite of his own.
Some scenes are so intense that Moffett and Olivia Clavel-Davis, who plays Esmeralda, check on each other before and afterward. His featured solo, “Hellfire,” captures Frollo’s obsession with Esmeralda and his willingness to accept damnation to control her.
Against the backdrop of ICE raids in Northern Virginia, Moffett called the production both crucial and difficult. He hopes it demonstrates how power can be corrupted by hatred, prejudice and fear while showing that people united against injustice can be stronger than one powerful individual.
Performances will be held at Katherine Johnson Middle School, 3801 Jermantown Road in Fairfax City. The schedule includes 7 p.m. shows July 18, 19, 23, 24, 25 and 26; 1:30 p.m. matinees July 19 and 26; and a 3 p.m. performance July 20.
The July 23 performance will be sensory friendly. The July 24 show will offer American Sign Language interpretation and audio description, with admission available on a pay-what-you-can basis. Because of the production’s language and subject matter, it is not recommended for young audiences.