Submitted Photo The cast of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” at dress rehearsal, from left to right, are Kaylee Capp as Clopin, Evan Putt as Frollo, Kylee Cook as Esmeralda, Shad Huber as Phoebus and Jared Kolles as Quasimodo. Photo by Rick Heit.

Students at Minot State University and area performers tell the story of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” during performances today, April 12, and again Saturday, April 13.

Performances begin at 7 p.m. each evening in Ann Nicole Nelson Hall on the MSU campus.

“Our production of ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ is a collaboration between MSU’s Department of Fine and Performing Arts and the Western Plains Opera Company,” Sarah Honerman, assistant professor of Theater, said.

The performance is produced by Emerson Eads, director of Choral Activities and assistant professor of music, directed by Sarah Honerman, assistant professor of Theater, and conducted by Abbie Eads.

“This show is the biggest and most ambitious production I have been a part of and it has taken a village the whole way to make it happen, “ Evan Putt, who performs as Frollo, said.“The nuance and dynamics that the cast and crew have brought to this show is a once in a lifetime sight.”

The Minot community is coming together to put on this once in a lifetime performance. The cast includes many performers including MSU students, choir, and community members.

“The MSU Choir appears alongside other MSU students and Minot area performers to present this beautiful story of what it means to be ‘other.’ Perhaps one of the greatest lessons we learn from this beautiful show is ‘what makes a monster and what makes a man,'” Honerman said.

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” is a story retold throughout the ages. Movie adaptations were done in 1939 and the classic Disney retelling in 1996. Each retelling portrays the ugliness and beauty that is humanity.

“Characters on stage are repeatedly met with discrimination and judgment based on their appearances, where they are from and how they spend their time,” Honerman said.

“As the newly hired assistant professor of Theater, I’m thrilled to share this production with the Minot area. Seeing the theater come back with class offerings and more shows during the academic year is thrilling,” she added.