Gabrielino High School’s drama department lit up the Gary E. Goodson Theater with emotion, music, and unforgettable performances in their April 11–13 production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Months of hard work, long rehearsals, and creative teamwork paid off as students delivered a show full of heart, energy, and powerful storytelling.
Directed by Bobby Hundley, the production featured a full student cast, a live orchestra conducted by Melissa Romero, a student choir directed by Robert Cartwright, and visual art pieces created by Terri Hopper’s students. Hundley said he chose the musical to excite both performers and audiences: “I start with entertainment value—will our students be excited to perform, and will our SGUSD community want to come watch?”
After opening musical suggestions to students, The Hunchback of Notre Dame rose to the top. “Our music theatre pool at GHS is growing at a fantastic pace,” Hundley explained, “and I needed a show with many performing opportunities.”
Once licensing and approvals were finalized, rehearsals kicked off in February. Students auditioned by singing and performing monologues before moving into readings, blocking, choreography, and full run-throughs.
Senior Stanley Ho, who played Clopin Trouillefou, described the intense rehearsal schedule.
“The second month, we actually got on stage. That’s when our 10 full practices began—each one about six hours long.”Ho explained. “As much of a jester as Clopin is, he does care about his comrades.”
Junior Sofia Sanchez, who starred as Esmeralda, emphasized how emotional connection shaped her performance. “Mr. Hundley had us dive into who our character is—what they want, what’s standing in their way, and what they’re willing to do to get it,” Sanchez said.
Although difficult scenes were hard to take seriously at first, Sofia said that full immersion made the emotions feel real. Memorizing and syncing her solos with the orchestra was another challenge.
“Singing and acting aren’t separate—they’re part of the same performance.,” Sanchez added
Behind the scenes, senior Gabriela Sanchez served as Assistant Director and Head of Hair and Makeup.
“My job was to handle basically any task that Mr. Hundley gave me,” she said, from coaching actors to leading warmups and building team spirit. “Theater is my happy place,” Gabriela shared. “Even on show days, when things should be chaotic, I don’t get stressed—I get excited.”
Sanchez also encouraged the larger Gabrielino community to stay involved.
“Come to our shows, come support—we’ve got a lot of fun and meaningful things going on.”
Sophomore Kevin Perry, who played Jehan Frollo, said getting into character was tricky at first, but guidance from Gabriela and vocal coaching from Mr. Cartwright helped him grow. He practiced at home and studied YouTube performances for inspiration. Kevin’s favorite part of the production was forming close bonds with the cast.
“We all became a really close friend group. There were tons of fun and random moments together.”
Senior Dan Quach, the stage manager, kept the technical side running smoothly by calling light and sound cues during the shows.
“The most stressful part is definitely keeping track of all the music cues,” Quach said. Dan credited advice from former stage managers for helping him handle the pressure. His favorite memory was taking crew photos after the final performance. “Seeing everyone from choir, drama, and tech all together—it was just amazing.”
Hundley had a strong artistic vision for the show: a “street performer story theatre” approach, where each cast member had to know their character’s purpose in every scene.
“I expect all my cast to answer these four questions: I am, I want, I feel, I need,” Hundley explained. Watching students evolve from individuals into a true ensemble was one of his favorite parts of the process.
In the end, Hundley hoped the audience left with more than entertainment. “I hope the evening gave our audience moments of love, laughter, sorrow, and reflection. That they walked away with a feeling of belonging and a sense of purpose.”
