COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus Children’s Theatre returns to the stage with a larger-than-life Disney production sure to thrill kids of all ages.
"'Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame' tells the story of Quasimodo who has been locked in the bell towers of Notre Dame his entire life and really follows his journey into what we like to think of as becoming more human [and] getting to know what friendship and love is," explained director David Glover of the famed story-turned-musical.
The production is just the latest of many projects that have brought Glover together with Columbus Children's Theatre.
"I love working with the company and I love the direction in which the company is continuing to move forward," he said. "They are doing shows that appeal to the whole family."
Glover's love of theater began with his family as he would attend shows with his mother as a child.
"So, to have a space and a company dedicated to doing shows that the family can go to - that also are doing shows that aren't, dare I say, childish - but also provide that range for those who need it, it's just lovely," Glover said.
Isidora Diaz is one of the young actors in the ensemble for "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and she has returned to Columbus Children's Theatre over the years for the atmosphere created around their productions.
"It's just such a safe environment," Diaz said. "The quality of the shows really is what makes CCT so special. Not only can you be nurtured and you can grow as a performer just by being in the classes that they provide, but by being surrounded by the professionals and getting to use them as role models for what you do is so special."
It's the immersion into a professional-quality production for children that makes the program stand out to participants.
"No better experience for someone getting started in the theatre [than] being in a professional environment," explained Glover. "It's a really lovely, warm environment to nurture that talent and that love, hopefully, of theatre."
Columbus Children's Theatre's production of "Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame" runs through May 5 at the Lincoln Theatre in downtown Columbus. For showtimes and ticket information, click here.