ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Daniel Ellis says “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” is likely the most ambitious production during his tenure at Woodford Theatre. (File photo by Bob Vlach)

By Bob Vlach

Woodford Sun Staff

A self-described “big fan” of the Disney animated feature based on the Victor Hugo novel, Woodford Theatre Artistic Director Daniel Ellis described “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” as a chance to bring “epic” music to local audiences beginning this Friday night at 7:30.

“It’s a fantastic production. It’s beautiful and brilliant and wonderful in every way,” said Ellis.

“Every great singer in the tri-county area showed up” for auditions, he pointed out, so this musical featuring a cast of 34 is likely the most ambitious production during his tenure at Woodford Theatre.

Ellis said he’s witnessed the star quality in each of the actors. So seeing them come together has elevated the quality of this production by giving them a musical to share “the talents we have around us,” he added.

The musical tells the story of Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer who observes all of Paris reveling in the Feast of Fools. Held captive by his devious caretaker, Dom Claude Frollo, he escapes for the day and joins the boisterous crowd, only to be treated cruelly by all but the beautiful Esmeralda, according to a summary of “Hunchback of Notre Dame” on Woodford Theatre’s website.

The story they’ll share doesn’t have a happy ending, Ellis said, but it will resonate with audiences by asking them to ponder: What did we just experience?

Ellis said he didn’t anticipate directing this musical, but, “It was a more financially responsible choice for me to direct it.” And given his emotional attachment to this story and its music, he came to the realization that it made sense for him to direct.

Weekend performances of “Hunchback of Notre Dame” will continue through May 31, with curtain times on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit the box office (Tuesday through Friday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or woodfordtheatre.com or call 859-873-0648.