“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” means different things to different people. For some, it brings back youthful memories of singing along with the ’90s Disney film. For others, Victor Hugo’s darker 19th century novel comes to mind. The cast and crew of Centerstage Academy, which introduces kids of all ages to theatricality, aim to draw inspiration from both for their latest production.
“We wanted to pick something that had a little more substance, a little more depth,” said director Cory Steiger. “This one has a little more meat to it, a little more for the kids to sink their teeth into.”
Part of the academy’s summer Broadway production camp, the adaptation incorporates some darker aspects of the novel, including its ending, alongside the classic Disney songs. It’s a take that challenges the young performers with what Steiger described as professional standards.
“It’s a little more stripped down,” Steiger said. The set is simple, with subtle nods to Gothic architecture. The emphasis falls on the ensemble cast, all of whom remain onstage for much of the show. “There’s not much downtime. That’s also been really cool to see kids run with it.”
The 22-year-old joined Centerstage when he was entering high school. The academy has nurtured his interests on and behind the stage, and he’s watched the academy similarly grow and evolve even during his time studying theater at CNU.
“It’s been really cool to see how each summer we seem to be adding more things,” Steiger said.
Last summer’s production of Disney’s “Tarzan” incorporated trained aerialists swinging through the air. This year marks the academy’s first time working with a live musical quartet, featuring piano, viola, trumpet and percussion.
“That’s definitely been another challenge to coordinate,” he said.
From the vocals to the heavy themes, Steiger said the material is challenging for the camp’s young performers. That extends to the professional, rigorous schedule, which has the cast rehearsing eight hours daily in the weeks leading up to the performances.
“We’ve definitely been asking the most of them in terms of working hard and staying focused,” Steiger said. “It’s not as easy as just putting on the costume and turning on the lights and going to your spot.”
The lesson is hopefully that hard work, teamwork and accountability pay off. Cast members stay late to help paint the set not because they must, but because they want the show to be the best it can be.
“It’s definitely a group effort,” Steiger said. “It takes a village.”
A lesson for everyone
The high school- and college-aged performers, like elementary school teacher Kelsey Brown and Centerstage veteran Cassie Donegan both as Esmerelda, help to anchor the production.
“I found it would be beneficial to double. They each bring something unique to the role and in their own way,” Steiger said. “It’s been cool to see the young ones step up their level.”
Some of the academy’s past productions, like the bright, upbeat “Annie,” are geared more toward the academy’s younger kids. “Hunchback” is for the more experienced kids, like the identical twins cast in polar opposite roles.
On their own, Nathan and Alek Kowalczyk auditioned for the roles of Quasimodo, the titular hunchback, and Phoebus, the classic pretty boy. Steiger liked them both so much that the unique interpretation developed naturally. The visual differences, aside from the protagonist’s obvious hunchback, are intentionally subtle, encouraging the audience to further question what it means to be beautiful.
“If you set it up for the audience to commit, the audience will commit,” Steiger said. “They’re really diving into the characters and putting a lot of emotion into them.”
The twins joined Centerstage at 3 years old, earning roles in productions like “Annie” and “Willy Wonka” throughout their tenure. “Hunchback” likely marks their last Centerstage contributions before heading to college.
“We know each other’s beats. We can feed off each other’s energy.” Alek Kowalczyk said. With his portrayal of Phoebus, he hopes to convey the character’s internal moral struggle. “I just want a likable person that shows that he’s trying to do what’s right.”
His brother said the academy helped shape him into a character actor, always trying to find the humanity with his characters, including the hunchback.
“I’ve always liked playing kind of ugly characters,” Nathan Kowalczyk said. “Quasimodo goes through a big change. I just want that story to come through.”
He added that Centerstage has come along way since their early start with the academy.
“I’ve learned the magic of theater,” Alek Kowalczyk said.”I think this will be our best production yet.”
Steiger hopes the production will prove a good lesson for the audience and the academy’s students alike.
“While it does have tragedy, there’s still a hope that the audience is left with,” he said. “You can still look to the future for hope.”
Birkenmeyer can be reached by phone at 757-790-3029.
Want to go?
Centerstage Academy performs “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” July 28-30 at the James York Playhouse, 200 Hubbard Lane. Tickets are $20 for adults, $12 for kids under 10. For times and to purchase tickets, visit williamsburgplayers.org or call 229-0431.
