Directors Notes

Notre Dame is an incredible sight to behold.  Centuries of history pour in through the colored glass of the Rose Windows as you enter the space. The stories of thousands of answered prayers seem to echo from the organ's beautiful song. The resounding stillness of the massive hall makes every person feel small against the magnificence of God's Kingdom represented in stone and wood. 
 
Here, set against the backdrop of the history and magnificence of the church, Victor Hugo wrote this story to inspire us to look past the crafted beauty to the true beauty hidden within.  Outcasts, the disabled, and the weak are the unexpected heroes of his story, which seeks to remind us that God's eye sees a beauty that ours may miss-the rejected, the broken, and the powerless. Like the Rose Windows that illuminate the space, God loves to take broken glass to create something that will reflect His light.  
 
Here at LPU Theatre, we believe that stories are designed to help us see life not as it is, but as it could be. In God's Kingdom, an outcast can be a hero, the weak can be strong, and the overlooked are seen.  This story reminds us that while beauty is present around us, it is intended to inspire us to see a most beautiful God who loves to take what we deem broken, and make it beautiful.
 
As you watch the play, may He open
your eyes to see the hidden beauty 
that may be hiding beyond what 
you can see. 
 
Seeking His Vision,
Carissa Hawksworth, M.A.

Show History

Victor Hugo's timeless masterpiece, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," transports audiences to the bustling streets of medieval Paris, where the iconic cathedral of Notre Dame stands as a silent witness to the unfolding drama.

Published in 1831, Hugo's novel was not merely a work of fiction; it was a reflection of the societal issues gripping France during the 19th century. At a time marked by social inequality, political unrest, and a growing awareness of human rights, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" served as a powerful critique of injustice and discrimination. Through the character of Quasimodo, Hugo shed light on the plight of the marginalized and the outcasts, urging readers to confront the prejudices of their time and embrace the principles of compassion and tolerance.

In the decades following its publication, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" continued to resonate with audiences, inspiring numerous stage adaptations. However, it was Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz's musical adaptation in the 1990s that brought Hugo's epic tale to a whole new generation. Combining sweeping melodies with poignant lyrics, the musical captured the essence of Hugo's narrative while adding a contemporary flair. Its successful transition to the stage reaffirmed the enduring relevance of Hugo's themes and cemented "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" as a timeless classic for the ages.

As we embark on this theatrical journey, let us honor Victor Hugo's legacy and embrace the timeless message of compassion and acceptance that lies at the heart of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame."

Theological Themes

By Anthony Scott Brunske

Returning for What is Good                                               Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-11  

No one wishes for tragedy, yet God will use our tragedies to help others. In the show, Phoebus faces great tragedy on the battlefield and runs away from a horrible war after seeing the gruesome death of his comrades. He begins to ascend army ranks until he is promoted and to be the captain of Notre Dame. There, he enters a place where he does not have to look at tragedy but can enjoy the fun of life. But, after meeting Esmeralda and the Gypsies, he lays down his desire for rest and recreation in pursuit of what he knows to be right. Much like Phoebus’s painful past helps him choose to fight for justice, God will use our past to inspire us to move boldly in the pursuit of goodness. Whether it is a tragedy we have been through, something we fear, or something we gave up on, but whatever has happened in our life, God can turn it around for good.  

Pride Comes Before the Fall                                                    Read Romans 3:21-26  

One of the things that all humans are born with is the ability to choose to do good or evil. We aspire to do good, but we do not always choose to do good because of our sinful nature. Frollo ascended through the ranks of Notre Dame, eventually becoming the Archdeacon. Despite his desire to do good for God’s kingdom, he loses sight of true goodness and becomes a corrupt leader of the church. He is quick to look at other people’s flaws but does not hold himself to his own standards. As leaders, we must look at our own flaws first, surround ourselves with healthy accountability, and walk in humility. Despite the fallen state we are in, God walks with us, giving us the strength to live out the good works He has planned for our lives.  

Overlooked to Valued                                                                 Read Matthew 5:3-5  

God loves to use the people that would traditionally be overlooked as valuable leaders in His kingdom. Esmeralda enters Notre Dame as the furthest thing from an expected leader. She is a gypsy, an outcast of society, and considered corrupt and unholy. Despite the way she is viewed, she has the qualities of a leader: empathy, selflessness, and inclusivity. She cares for Quasimodo, who has been overlooked by Frollo and others due to his appearance, and her interaction changes his life. Despite the terrible things that happen to Esmeralda, she perseveres through adversity and manages to become a champion for change in her community. In a comparable way, God loves to take overlooked, unexpected people and make them valuable players in His kingdom.

Devotional

By Anthony Scott Brunske

Devotional Lesson - The Parable of the Two Sons- Luke 15:11-32  

In the book of Luke, Jesus tells a parable to the religious leaders after they complain about Jesus eating with sinners. This parable is about two sons, in which their father gives the younger son his inheritance after he asks for it. The younger son ends up spending his entire fortune on a wild lifestyle and becomes extremely poor. After he comes to his senses, he decides to go back to his father in desperation. Surprisingly, the moment his father sees him, he rejoices and throws a great party for him. Meanwhile, the older son hears about this party and is livid, as he always followed the commands of his father, but never had a party thrown for him. The father tells his older son that he has always been with him, but that his brother was lost and now has been found. Jesus shares this parable to show the religious leaders that the humble outcasts of society are a part of God’s kingdom, and the prideful religious leaders are the ones being invited to join God’s kingdom.  

In the play, we see a parallel to this story, as Esmeralda and the Gypsies are seen as outcasts of society and are thought to be less holy than Notre Dame’s leadership. However, Esmeralda chooses to come to God and asks humbly for a way to help her people. God answers her prayer by using her as a tool to create change in her community through her sacrificial death. Frollo is seen as a prestigious and holy church leader, but his behavior does not line up with who he claims to be. Just as the older brother thinks he deserves more because of what he has done right, Frollo casts judgment on the gypsies as they do not follow the law as he does. However, in God’s kingdom, everyone is treated fairly and equally. Even Quasimodo, who was seen as an outcast by society, makes a significant impact on the community when he meets Esmeralda, who inspires him to have a better understanding of true justice. In God’s kingdom, he invites each of us to have an impact and to matter in our communities. Despite our past or present circumstances, he wants us to be a part of His Kingdom and partner with Him in his work.   

Reflection Questions  
How has God used something bad that happened to you to create something good?  
How can you set up accountability in your life to ensure you are a healthy leader?  
Have you ever felt overlooked or unseen by others? Does someone “see” you?  
Who is someone in your life that may be overlooked, but that God wants you to see?  
How can we work together to create a Church community that includes everyone? 

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