Photo Flash: First Look at Deaf Actor John McGinty, Lesli Margherita, Mark Jacoby and More in HUNCHBACK at Music Circus

The 2016 Music Circus season concludes with the Northern California premiere of a new musical from the mind of Victor Hugo, inspired by one of the most epic stories ever told: The Hunchback of Notre Dame. This daring production sets the classic tale of love, vengeance, and compassion to one of the most sweeping scores ever written for the stage. It's the only stage collaboration between two masters of American musical theatre, Alan Menken (Disney's The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast) and Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin). BroadwayWorld brings you a first look below!

Notable in the Music Circus production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame is that it's the first time for this show that the role of Quasimodo will be played by a Deaf actor, John McGinty, who has extensive theater experience, and is making his Music Circus debut. McGinty has recently acted in Nina Raine's Tribes with the Guthrie Theater, Everyman Theater and Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and also performed in Deaf West Theatre's production of Pippin.

In addition to McGinty, the cast of The Hunchback of Notre Dame includes several top Broadway actors and Music Circus favorites. Returning to Music Circus in the role of Dom Claude Frollo is Broadway veteran Mark Jacoby, who was nominated for a Tony Award® for his role in Show Boat, and whose other work on Broadway includes The Phantom of the Opera (playing the role of the Phantom for more than two years), Ragtime, Grand Hotel, Man of La Mancha and Sweeny Todd. Olivier Award winner for her West End debut in Zorro the Musical, Lesli Margherita returns to Music Circus as the gypsy Esmeralda, after originating the role of Mrs. Wormwood in Matilda The Musical on Broadway, and recently appearing on Broadway in Dames at Sea. In his first appearance with Music Circus, Andrew foote will appear as Clopin, having previously toured with Annie, Ragtime, and LES MISERABLES, in addition to performing in numerous regional productions. Playing Phoebus de Martin is Music Circus favorite Eric Kunze, who played the role of Prince Eric in the Broadway Sacramento presentation of Disney's The Little Mermaid earlier this year and recently took part in the New York Pops 33rd Birthday Gala at Carnegie Hall, performing along with Patti LuPone, Norm Lewis, and Montego Glover. Making his Music Circus debut is Jim Hogan, whose national touring and regional experience includes Spring Awakening, A Little Night Music and Memphis, and who has appeared as a soloist with symphony orchestras throughout the United States and Canada.

The cast will also include the following actors: Keith Bearden makes his Music Circus debut directly after performing in the Broadway production of Wicked; he has also toured nationally with Shrek, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Fame. Doug Carfrae has appeared in a multitude of Music Circus productions over the years and performed in Las Vegas' The Phantom of the Opera from 2006 to 2012. Emily Dauwalder makes her Music Circus debut after appearing in numerous regional productions including West Side Story, Babes in Arms, 42nd Street and Young Frankenstein. Michael Dotson returns for his 16th season, having performed in more than 40 Music Circus productions, including West Side Story, La Cage aux Folles, Ragtime and 1776; his favorite productions include SUDS, Forever Plaid, and The Music Man in Concert withShirley Jones. Rachel Farr joins Music Circus after appearing in regional performances of Carrie the Musical, Tarzan, and West Side Story. Devon Hadsell returns to Music Circus after her performances in Bye Bye Birdie and Hair last season; her favorite credits include the equity tour of The Little Mermaid and regional performances of Ragtime and Mary Poppins. Back for her fourth season at Music Circus, Danielle Hansen has performed in The Marvelous Wonderettes, Into the Woods (Baker's Wife), and The Music Man in Concert with Shirley Jones.

William Martinez makes his Music Circus debut after performing in the national tours of Big River, Oliver!, and Forever Plaid among others. Kevin McMahon returns to Music Circus after his performances in My Fair Lady last season and Sweeney Todd in 2008. With regional performances of Peter Pan (Peter), Dames at Sea, and Singin' in the Rain under her belt, Shanon Mari Mills returns to Music Circus after appearing in Legally Blonde, Hello, Dolly!, and Seussical earlier this season. Amanda Minano joins Music Circus after touring nationally with The Little Mermaid in 2015. Luke Mondayjoins Music Circus after playing Chad in All Shook Up, Gabe in Next to Normal, and Perchik in Fiddler on the Roof. Making his Music Circus debut is Dino Nicandros, who has toured nationally with Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, among others. Shannon Stoeke returns to the Music Circus stage after playing Ernst Ludwig in Cabaret earlier this season.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame will be directed by Glenn Casale, Artistic Director for California Musical Theatre since 2008, who has directed more than 50 productions for Music Circus and Broadway Sacramento over the past 20 years. Choreographer Dana Solimando has won awards and merited nominations for her inspired choreography of Swing!, Miss Saigon, Parade, Damn Yankees and Jesus Christ Superstar and has performed on Broadway in Peter Pan, Cats and Swing! Musical Director Dennis Castellano, who heads the Musical Theatre program at UC Irvine, has been directing for Music Circus since 1981 for productions like Hair, Mary Poppins, Show Boat, and Sweeney Todd.

Music Circus is produced under the leadership of Artistic Director Glenn Casale and Executive Producer Scott Klier. California Musical Theatre President and CEO is Richard Lewis.

For tickets or more information, visit: SacramentoMusicCircus.com.

Photo Credit: Charr Crail/Kevin Graft

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