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Milligan presents inaugural musical theatre production


MILLIGAN COLLEGE, Tenn. (March 6, 2019)—Milligan College’s musical theatre program presents its inaugural production, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” written by Peter Parnell, March 27-31 in the McGlothlin-Street Theatre located in the Gregory Center. Show times are 7:30 p.m., March 27-30, and 2:30 p.m. on March 31. All seats are $10 and can be purchased in advance at the Milligan Bookstore, 423.461.8733.

Based on the 1996 Disney film and Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” is a sweeping, grand-scale musical featuring the lyrics of Stephen Schwartz and music by Alan Menken. This classic story follows Quasimodo, the hunchbacked bell-ringer of Notre Dame, as he seeks to become a part of the outside world.

“This musical exposes the beauty and the hardships that everyone encounters in the real world,” said Dr. Carrie Klofach, assistant professor of musical theatre. “Quasimodo’s need to feel love propels him out of his only refuge, the church. Upon entering the world, he experiences both darkness and light. Audiences will be uplifted by Quasimodo’s ability to forge a path towards the light.”

This production marks Klofach’s directorial debut at Milligan. Klofach, who leads Milligan’s new musical theatre major, previously appeared in musicals, operas, concerts and recitals throughout the United States.

“For my first production at Milligan, I am blown away by the talent of our students,” said Klofach. “Some of our lead performers are singing onstage for the first time and sound remarkable. With a large cast, our students’ many gifts will be on full display.”

The musical consists of a 23-member ensemble cast, as well as an on-stage choir and pit orchestra. The cast is headed by senior Derek Jeffers, of Greeneville, Tennessee, as Quasimodo; senior Maggie Booher, Elizabethton, Tennessee, will play Esmeralda; Dr. Shannon Hogan, assistant professor of business administration, is cast as Dom Claude Frollo; senior Jonathan Russell, Kingsport, Tennessee, will perform as Phoebus De Martin; and sophomore Kevin Odom, Kingsport, Tennessee, will play Clopin.

For more information on Milligan’s musical theatre program, visit www.milligan.edu/musical-theatre.


Posted by on March 6, 2019.