NOCTILUCA March 2017

FEATURES Appleton, Wisconsin March 2017 Volume XXII

Issue V Page 5

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

North’s Pit Orchestra draws large numbers during this year’s production

By Fatima Ali

Whether in the serious pro- duction of “Les Miserables” or even the current produc- tion, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” a pit orchestra of some sort has always been present. Some years, other schools in the district don’t have as big of pit orchestra for their musical, which is why stu- dents who really want to play occasionally participate in North’s theatre productions. Appleton West sophomore Addie Jo Lambrecht said, “Pit is important, because we help to bring stage produc- tion to life. Even though it can be a very grueling time, at the end, when we start playing, it makes it worth my time.” Although the pit orchestra doesn’t have to participate in as many rehearsals as the cast or crew, many members still have to devote large amounts of time in order to learn the music and ensure that they can produce a sound as great as a professional pit orches-

North actors on their connections to lead character Esmeralda Caroline Holmes dancing center stage during a Cast A rehearsal of the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Photo by Catherine Mackenzie

By Iris Hertting The recent production of the Hunchback of Notre Dame al- lowed actors to find a deeper level of meaning behind the roles they played. Maddy Schilling, a senior at Appleton North, portrays Es- meralda (Cast B)- the female lead. She stresses what being Esmeralda has meant to her, “I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed a character as much as I enjoy Esmeralda. She’s incredibly selfless. She is compassion- ate and yet very passionate at the same time. She’s very confrontational, not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. And essentially she’s ev- erything that I wish I could be because I like to stand up for what I believe in but I’m not as confrontational as she is and I wish I could do that. So, she’s kind of like an extension of myself and I think delving into this character a little bit has actually helped me build up my confidence in real life, almost, which is something that I’ve really enjoyed.” Caroline Holmes, sopho- more, also plays Esmeralda (Cast A) and she too feels strongly about the character. “It’s really refreshing that she is such a strong female lead. A lot of times you’ll see a lot of gender stereotypes in mu- sicals with female characters. Holmes, Schilling appreciate her as a strong female character

tra. So maybe the audience can’t necessarily see the pit during a performance, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that some magical fair- ies are creating the music; in- stead a group of 32 students and a steadfast director, Mr. Thaldorf, loyally persevere throughout long rehearsals, in hopes of making Appleton North musicals as fantastic as they currently are. Members of North’s pit orches- tra rehearse for the show. Pho- to by Catherine Mackenzie

Maddy Schilling rehearsing Rhythm of the Tambourine. Photo by Catherine Mackenzie

But Esmeralda is very strong, and she has this extremely ad- mirable sense of selflessness. So she is always fighting for justice and risking her own life for the needs of others, which is really a quality that I think we all can learn a lot from.” “The thing that I love most about this musical is the rele- vance of its message in a time where there’s so much con- flict and tension all around the world, said Holmes, this mu- sical does a great job show- ing how love and acceptance are the way to a fulfilled life. It’s worth it to fight for justice and stand up for what you be- lieve in.”

Mr. Thaldorf leading the pit orchestra and choir during a musical rehearsal . Photo by Catherine Mackenzie

“Pit is an amazing experience with wonderful people, and it really captures the joy of being in a theater production without having to memorize any lines.” - Silvia Knighten

Caroline Holmes on stage in costume as Esmeralda re- hearses with her tambourine. Photo by Catherine Mackenzie