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Carnegie presents first show of year — Hunchback of Notre Dame, on weekends January 12-27


The bells of Notre Dame will be ringing in the Otto M. Budig Theatre as The Carnegie presents THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, weekends January 12–27.

Quasimodo, the outcast with a heart of gold longs to join the city of Paris during the Feast of Fools. Held captive by his devious caretaker, the Archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo, he escapes for the day and joins the boisterous crowd, only to be treated cruelly by all but the beautiful 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, Frollo embarks on a mission to destroy the gypsies – and it’s up to Quasimodo to save them all.

Quasimodo (Kyle Taylor) (Photos by Mickey Schaffner)

“We always try to make our January show a fun experience for families and an educational experience for kids in the cast,” said Carnegie Theatre Director Maggie Perrino. “I’m excited we were able to bring in Kurt Damoney to direct. He has a wealth of experience training kids for professional shows.”

Based on the Victor Hugo novel and featuring the Academy Award-nominated score from the Disney film, The Carnegie’s production of THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME will be directed and choreographed by Kurt Domoney with music direction from Xan Jeffery. Leading the cast as Quasimodo and Esmerelda are Kyle Taylor and Ria Villaver Collins. Returning to The Carnegie stage after appearances in last year’s WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY are Christian Arias (King Louis) Molly Munn (Teen Ensemble) and Ryan Armstrong (Gargoyle). Appearing as The Bishop’s Choir will be members of The Young Professionals Choral Collective.

The show’s award-winning score includes favorite songs including “Out There” and “God Help the Outcasts” along with new songs from famed composers Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Tangled) and Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin, Wicked).

Esmeralda (Ria Villaver Collins)

Performances of THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME run weekends January 12-27, Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $30, $18 for children 12 and under, $27 for Carnegie Members and ArtsPass Members, $23 for students. Tickets can be purchased through The Carnegie Box Office, open Tuesday-Friday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., in person or by phone at (859) 957-1940, or online. Patrons seeking group or student tickets should call to make arrangements.

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MYI.

The 2018-19 Carnegie Theatre Series is presented by the Otto M. Budig Family Foundation. Additional support comes from the Kentucky Department of Tourism.

The set is sponsored by Kroner, Hale & Patrick Law Firm.

This is a family-friendly production. Some technical effects may be scary for very young children.

The Carnegie is Northern Kentucky’s largest multidisciplinary arts venue providing theatre events, educational programs and art exhibitions to the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati community. The Carnegie facility is home to The Carnegie Galleries, the Otto M. Budig Theatre, and the Eva G. Farris Education Center. 

The Carnegie receives ongoing operating support from ArtsWave, Cincinnati International Wine Festival, The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Kenton County Fiscal Courts, the Kentucky Arts Council and the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr. / US Bank Foundation.

The cast includes:

Kyle Taylor – Quasimodo
Ria Villaver Collins – Esmeralda
Michael Sherman – Judge Claude Frollo
Jackson Hurt – Captain Phoebus
Skyler McNeely – Clopin
El More – Madam/Ensemble
Will Ellis – Jehan/Tribunal/Officer/Ensemble
Josh Heard – Frederic/Ensemble
Ella Rivera – Florika/Ensemble
Christian Arias – King Louis/Teen Ensemble
Brandon Bentley – Father Dupin/Ensemble
Collin Newton – Saint Aphrodisius/Ensemble
Kate Stark – Female Ensemble/Dance Captain
Cassidy Steele – Female ensemble
Michael English – Teen Ensemble
Molly Munn – Teen Ensemble
Fiona Blanchett – Teen Ensemble
Jordan Darnell – Teen Ensemble


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