'Hunchback' opens this week

Audiences have the opportunity to enjoy one of Buffalo High School’s more ambitious theatrical undertakings when the fall musical, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” opens this week. 

More than 85 students have worked diligently since mid-September to prepare four performances, including 7:30 p.m. shows Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 14-16, and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Nov. 17.

Director Tracy Hagstrom Durant and veteran members of the cast and crew agreed that the show, based on Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel, is one of the most challenging that the theatre group has undertaken in recent years.

“It takes a lot more in-depth research into the script. You really have to understand all the little symbols that the writers have put into it,” said junior Avery Russek, who plays the kind-hearted Esmeralda. “It takes more time to memorize and capture the emotions of this story, so it’s a lot harder than any other show I’ve been in, but I’m really enjoying it.”

Bringing a story to life
No one is more aware of the production’s intricacies than sophomore Stage Manager Margot Miller, who will coordinate the action from the control booth. Every entrance and change of lights, sound and scenery – any element of the production that requires precise coordination – will rely on her cues. That’s a lot of responsibility, but Miller has embraced the preparation process.

“I really enjoy when we have an idea about a show, read through the synopsis and then make it come to life,” she said. “Just sitting here watching each scene come together, I think it’s really magical. I love seeing and hearing everything live, because everybody is so talented. When it all comes together it just makes me feel good. It makes me feel like I was a part of something big.”

Senior Ben Krinke is playing Quasimodo, the hunchbacked young man who most treat as a monster, but who longs to engage the world outside his isolated bell tower. Portraying such a unique character is a challenge, but one Krinke said he is ready for.

“I’ve done theater all of high school. It’s my senior year, so I wanted to work really hard before auditions and go in there and prove that I can do it. They cast me as [the main role], so now I need to prove that I can do it on stage.”

One of the show’s primary challenges is its beautiful but technically challenging music.

“The music is a lot harder than any other musical I’ve done in high school, for sure,” said Krinke. “It has some very difficult rhythms, and some of the ensemble songs are in Latin, so we’re learning a second language. It’s just very complex.”

Hagstrom Durant explained that while the audition evaluators never pre-cast a show, they do keep potential cast members in mind when deciding on what shows to undertake. In that sense, their choice of “Hunchback” shows a remarkable confidence in the performers. From Miller’s standpoint in the booth, that confidence is well placed.

“I think this is the right show for our actors,” she said. “Each one can sing their song well, and that helps build the whole production up even more.”

Fresh perspective
The full production includes 33 crew members, a 14-student orchestra, an eight-member choir and 31 actors. Of the acting group, 18 are appearing in their first musical.

Junior Parker Carlson, who appears as a gargoyle and a townsperson, is one of those first-time actors. He was encouraged to audition by BHS Choir Director Zack Carlson-Giving, and decided to give theater a try.

“I have heard a lot of seniors say that they regretted not doing the musical,” Carlson said. “When Mr. Carlson-Giving said he thought I would be a good fit I was unsure, but then I thought, why not try it?”

The experience has been rewarding.

“It’s a lot of fun. I’ve gotten to make a lot of new friends. I just get to hang out with people I like every day,” Carlson said. “It’s a lot of work – honestly, it’s a lot more than I expected, but it’s been worth it because it’s really enjoyable.”

Camaraderie and themes
While camaraderie is common in theater, many members of the cast and crew commented on how smoothly all students have worked together on this particular show.

“I’m working with some of my best friends in this cast. Just the dynamic of this entire cast and crew, it’s really fun to get to work with and be a part of,” said Russek. 

That spirit of collaboration is fitting, given that the main theme of the story is reaching out to make sure all are known and loved. Russek is a key part of conveying that theme, as she leads the song “God Help the Outcasts.”

“I’ve been putting a lot of work into that song and that message, really trying to capture that emotion and portray that to the audience,” Russek said. “I’m just excited for people to watch it.”

Beyond that primary theme are numerous other implications for audiences to ponder. 

“This one is very complex,” said Miller. “There are so many different undertones within the show and the story. I’ve grown to really love it because there are so many different themes and things you can take away from it after you’re done watching it. I think that’s really special.”

“It’s a deep story with a strong message, a really important message, and we hope everyone enjoys it,” said Carlson.

•    Tickets for each show date are available at https://sites.google.com/bhmschools.org/buffalohighschooltheatre/home.