“The Hunchback Years

Taylor Smith | Arts & Entertainment Editor

Santa Monica College (SMC) Theater Arts and Music Departments brought majestic hymns and Roma culture to the main campus with their production of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” The musical ran its first three performances from March 31 to April 2 and is a spectacle filled with a grand cathedral set, colorful costumes and Flamenco inspired dance numbers.

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” is based on the Victor Hugo novel and the Disney animated film and tells the story of Quasimodo, a deformed and captive orphan who dreams of the outside world.

“I grew up with the Disney movie,” said Tayla Sindel, who plays Esmerelda. “And I love how this musical is kind of in-between the Disney movie, the source material, and I think it’s just beautiful.”

When Quasimodo meets Esmerelda, an enchanting woman who protects him from an angry mob, his life turns upside down. The outsider gains the courage to protect his new friend and escapes his captor Archdeacon Frollo, played by Levi Booker. The musical explores the question that is stated throughout the show, “What makes a monster and what makes a man?”

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