BROOKINGS — South Dakota State University’s School of Performing Arts invites the community to performances of the musical “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” at the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center. Opening night is Thursday, April 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the Oscar Larson Theatre. More performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 14 and 15, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 16.

Based on the Victor Hugo novel, with songs from the Disney film, the performance will begin as the bells of Notre Dame sound through the famed cathedral in 15th century Paris, according to Music Theatre International.

Quasimodo, the outcast 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, only to be treated cruelly by all except the beautiful Esmeralda. Quasimodo isn’t the only one captivated by her, though—the handsome Captain Phoebus and Frollo are equally enthralled. As the three vie for her attention, Frollo embarks on a mission of destruction—and it’s up to Quasimodo to save them all.

This performance is the first of its kind for the School of Performing Arts. With accredited programs in music and theatre and dance, strong collaboration has been a goal for the school. Now, that dream is being met in this first schoolwide musical.

“Faculty from within the performing arts were able use their individual expertise to give detailed instruction to the cast and crew within their purview on how to fulfill their roles,” explained Jim Wood, associate professor and artistic director of theatre and dance.

With approximately 70 students and over seven faculty members assisting in the production, the collaboration has been a proud moment for the school.

“Nearly 70 years ago, Steve Allen penned the famous words, ‘This Could be the Start of Something Big.’ I think all of us in the School of Performing Arts understand this sentiment as we reflect on how our Hunchback came to fruition,” said David Reynolds, director of the School of Performing Arts. “It has been the intent of the school ever since its organization to bring together all the various fields of expertise found among our fine faculty and students toward a common goal. Professors have coached the chorus and solo voices, designed costumes, lighting and sets and extracted impactful movement and insight from a complicated and deep libretto.”

Morgan Foote, a freshman English education and theatre major, spoke on the behind-the-scenes details of working toward this collaborative goal. “One thing that I wish more people knew about the performances are the immense amount of time and commitment they take, especially for a production as huge as Hunchback,” the Elkhorn, Nebraska, native said.

Part of the commitment included painting the set itself.

“If you look closely, you can see that the set isn’t just one solid color. It is actually a combination of three different colors,” Foote explained. “This is created by using a technique called scumbling, and it is just a fancy way of creating an almost tie-dye effect on the set to give it some depth.”

This week, the hours of rehearsals and behind-the-scenes creation will pay off come opening night.

“As we open the doors to this project for a few special nights in April, we invite you join us in recognizing the hard work and perseverance of our students,” Reynolds said. “They are truly gifted and exceptional individuals worthy of our applause.”

Tickets—$20 for adults, $18 for seniors, military, SDSU employees and children, and free for SDSU students with a student ID—can be purchased at the Box Office in the lobby of the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center Monday through Friday from 1-4 p.m. in person or by calling 605-688-6045. Tickets can also be purchased at sdsutheatre.org.