Congregation and Choir MixerCelebrate the launch of the 2019 summer musical with a “Congregation and Choir” mixer on Saturday, May 18, at 4:00 p.m. The mixer will be an opportunity for the community to meet “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” production team and hear about the unique opportunities to participate in this year’s musical, which includes parts for actors, singers, dancers, and choir members.

“Summer musical season is our favorite time of year at the SAAC,” said executive director Laura Allen. “We love the hustle and bustle of our entire artistic community coming together to create a show from scratch, and we can’t wait for everyone to have the chance to meet the amazing production team for ‘Hunchback’.”

Director/Choreographer Kristen Blossom, and assistant director Hannah Davis will be on hand to answer audition questions and discuss their vision for the production. The cast includes both a traditional theatrical ensemble—the “Congregation”—and a group focused only on the vocal elements of the score—the “Choir”. While the Congregation will be the cast of characters who participate in the action of each scene, the Choir functions as a musical version of the traditional Greek chorus, observing the action from the sidelines.

The music, which blends the soaring sounds of classic religious singing with the more imaginative sound of pop music from the familiar Disney movie, is a primary driver of the story. The familiar tale of the “hunchback” Quasimodo and the “gypsy” Esmeralda is set against the backdrop of Notre Dame Cathedral in 15th century Paris. Love, acceptance, and courage take center stage in a classic battle of good vs. evil.

Audition packets will be available, and show staff will answer any questions about the audition process and opportunities backstage and beyond at the “Congregation and Choir” mixer on May 18. Auditions will be held June 1-3, with the production of “Hunchback of Notre Dame”, sponsored by Murphy USA, on July 18-28.