VPA presents: 'Hunchback of Notre Dame'

PALMER — Valley Performing Arts is in the second week of a three-week run of a local rendition of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" at the Glenn Massay Theater.

"The Hunchback of Notre Dame" opened Friday, Feb. 16 and wraps up Sunday, March 3.

Director Jeanine Galitz said this play has been met with an immensely popular response from audiences. She said they've had standing ovations for each performance.

"This has been pretty darn awesome," Galitz said.

Between the impressive set design, sweeping live orchestra, and grand vocal performances- Galitz said this production is an impressive, awe-inspiring spectacle to behold.

"We're trying to make sure we capture all the senses when doing this show. It's just amazing," Galitz said. "It's beautiful to watch."

Galitz marveled at her dedicated cast and crew and said she couldn't have asked for a better team to work with.

"They're all so good," Galitz said.

Galitz has been involved with VPA for several years. She's been involved in numerous capacities such as acting, choreography, and stage management. She said that she works hard on each production.

"It's my thing to try and one up myself everytime I do a show," Galitz said.

VPA is a nonprofit community theater that welcomes all walks of life to participate in a variety of productions. Galitz said that she appreciates the supportive atmosphere that's present in each production.

"I love VPA. We have become such a family.

It's so fun because I now have a whole bunch of adopted brothers and sisters," Galitz said. "They really make sure that everyone feels important and feels included. Everybody in the production has a voice and its supported,"

Showtimes for "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" are Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Galitz encourages anyone interested in seeing this play to purchase tickets quickly.

"They are going fast," Galitz said.

Plot synopsis from VPA:

"Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, The Hunchback of Notre Dame showcases the film’s Academy Award-nominated score, as well as new songs by Menken and Schwartz. Peter Parnell’s new book embraces story theater and features verbatim passages from Hugo’s gothic novel. The musical begins as the bells of Notre Dame sound through the famed cathedral in fifteenth-century Paris. Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer who longs to be “Out There,” observes all of Paris reveling in the Feast of Fools. Held captive by his devious caretaker, the archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo, he escapes for the day and joins the boisterous crowd, only to be treated cruelly by all but the beautiful gypsy, Esmeralda. Quasimodo isn’t the only one captivated by her free spirit, though – the handsome Captain Phoebus and Frollo are equally enthralled. As the three vie for her attention, Frollo embarks on a mission to destroy the gypsies – and it’s up to Quasimodo to save them all."

For tickets and more information, visit vpaalaska.org.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com