Theater Like No Other

Dramalums began in 2004 and is a unique program that brings FGR Drama Club alumni together with current and incoming students to produce a full-scale musical production in the span of five weeks during the summer.

The FGR Dramalums production of

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Music by Alan Menken

Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz

Book by Peter Parnell

Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney film*

Originally Developed by Disney Theatrical Productions

Was held at:

Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, 911 N. University, Ann Arbor, MI.

On July 25, 26, 27, & 28.

Thank you to our wonderful audiences and supporters! 

In the wake of the sexual abuse scandals of the Catholic Church, how could a faithful institution even consider producing The Hunchback of Notre Dame? Because sometimes we need the courage to look directly into the darkness to recognize the light. But telling a story about corrupt clergy, I must have an angle? Here it is: as Quasimodo sings, loving romantic relationships reflect “Heaven’s Light.” After years of misusing their sexuality, Phoebus and Esmeralda find a love that is willing to sacrifice and proclaim it “a place of miracles.” Marriage and sexual intimacy as a total gift of self beautifully reveal the heart of Christ for His Church! And those who take vows of celibacy for the Lord are also making a total gift of self to represent that union in a more profound way. If celibacy (or abstinence) is viewed as self-denial rather than a loving gift springing from a personal relationship, then we’re stuck singing with Frollo, “[God] made the Devil so much stronger than a man!” There is no hope without grace. And if Christian institutions deem sexual sin too uncomfortable to confront, then our adolescents will get their education elsewhere.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is an uncomfortable look at humanity: pride and selfishness, trauma instigating debauchery, the deep desire to be loved, and the faithfulness of a God who never gives up calling souls to Himself. The Eucharistic presence of our Lord in the tabernacle at Notre Dame is the unseen character throughout this plot. It tells the story of a faithful lover who desires that all people come and receive His mercy. He is at work from the beginning, preserving the orphans, allowing them to live and grow close to Himself. Phoebus is called away from the horrors of war to the Cathedral Guard not because his PTSD demands he escape via “rest and recreation,” but because Jesus wants a relationship with him, and He is present in the Cathedral! The instant Esmeralda opens the doors of Notre Dame, God speaks to her heart and draws her to Himself because those who may not look like they belong in a pew are undeniably “children of God.” And as Frollo wrestles with his lust in “Hellfire”, the Church calls to him: “Mea culpa! Kyrie Eleison!” because Jesus wants his fidelity; He is heartbroken at the unfaithfulness of His beloved priest when Frollo forsakes what is right to pursue his own desires at any cost.

An oversimplification of this plot says, “Catholics are bigots and need to chill out and let people be themselves,” but I propose, that while flawed individuals wrestle between the desire to do what is right and their own selfish pursuits, it is God who is continually pursuing. In this story and in our broken world God is pursuing the outcasts and those who have rejected him – are we as convinced as our Lord that they all belong in the Church? He does not give up. There is no sin greater than Christ’s mercy, no wound or trauma deeper than His ardent love. And it’s uncomfortable to recognize too much of myself and my failings in Frollo’s pride and lack of love, Phoebus’ escapism, Esmeralda’s bitterness and use of sex appeal to manipulate, and Quasimodo’s desire for revenge, but sometimes you have to have the courage to look directly into the darkness to recognize the Light.

Mea culpa. Kyrie eleison.

-Elizabeth Champion

Proverbs 11 (excerpt)
When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.
The righteousness of the upright delivers them,
but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.
A kindhearted woman gains honor,
but ruthless men gain only wealth.
Those who are kind benefit themselves,
but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.
The Lord detests those whose hearts are perverse,
but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.
Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished,
but those who are righteous will go free.