From Notre Dame to Adam Smith Theatre – bringing the Hunchback to stage
The new Kirkcaldy Amateur Operatic Society (KAO) production gets underway next week - and for this season a more unusual choice and a diversion from jukebox musicals.
The Hunchback Of Notre Dame, originally developed by Disney Theatrical Productions will transform Adam Smith Theatre into that epic Parisian cathedral.
Making his directorial debut with KAOS is Iain Hughes although he has choreographed a few shows for them in the past. He outlined how much a challenge this has become with a huge cast plus ensemble and a full choir on stage at all times and accompanied by a full 15-piece orchestra under the expert guidance of MD Alan Gibson.
KAOS president Andrew Lowrie told me they are hiring a full size set for these shows on different levels to give the illusion of the Notre Dame cathedral. Stage Manager Nigel Orkney will construct the set ahead of the technical rehearsal on the Sunday night before the dress rehearsal the following night then the show opens to the public on Tuesday. By then Keiran Hotchkiss will have the lighting plots as per plans.
The story is set in 1482 where the hunchback Quasimodo played by Darren Johnson lives in a bell tower, oppressed by his uncle Frollo (Stephen Smyth), but wants to escape and be accepted. He gets support from Esmeralda (Emma Paterson), who knows the Captain of the Guard Phoebus (played by Billy Naismith) for some allegiance while Grant Duffus plays the part of the comedic Clopin who also becomes the Storyteller.
With this in advanced rehearsals, the group is already planning Calendar Girls the Musical next April and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for next autumn.
Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney film, KAOS presents The Hunchback Of Notre Dame, November 17 – 21 at 7:15pm plus a Saturday matinee at 2:30pm at Adam Smith Theatre Kirkcaldy. Tickets are extremely limited from the theatre on onfife.com