Stanford Light Opera Company prepares for historic Memorial Church production

Stanford Light Opera Company (SLOCo) is currently preparing for its upcoming show on May 9 and 10 — the first ever student-run musical to take place at Memorial Church. Inspired by Victor Hugo’s classic novel and Disney’s 1996 film adaptation, SLOCo will be adapting “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” the tragic story of Roma dancer Esmeralda and cathedral bell ringer Quasimodo, whose physical appearance has made him an infamous outcast. 

“We are looking forward to showcasing themes such as ableism and persecution of different groups, including the Roma people,” said assistant director Arushi Agastwar ’25. “We hope to handle that in as sensitive a way as we can.”

Ashley Celada ’25, an ensemble member, added, “This musical brings us the opportunity to learn more about these topics, about cultural outcasts and about the Romani people. I feel like not a lot of other productions have really thought to look at that.” 

Besides the show’s meaningful themes of justice, persecution, fate and freedom, something that makes this year’s production even more special is its staging in Memorial Church — a fitting location for a story that transpires in the Notre Dame Cathedral and incorporates Catholic themes. 

“When I stepped into Memorial Church for the first time in order to see the show on stage, I thought I was in a different world,” Agastwar said. “Rather than a typical show, it’s more like an experience happening all around you.”

SLOCo will make use of the immense setting to draw the audience into the show. On opening night, attendees should expect the organ roaring at the back of the church, actors singing from the balcony and cast members moving through the audience itself. 

“We’re beginning to break the barrier between traditional theater and what shows could look like in the future,” said technical director James Clark ’25. “Why does every show have to take place in a box? It doesn’t, and that’s the really fun thing we get to do here… I think [the audience’s] expectations are going to be met and surpassed, and that’s a testament to our hard work.” 

With more than 100 people working on the production, including undergraduates, graduate students and community members, the show has also served as a gateway to bring a community of ambitious people together. 

“It’s just such a beautiful amalgamation of so many different talents and skills. You have these incredible actors, you have the best sound techs, you have the best scenic designers, the best lighting designers, everyone coming together to build this masterpiece of a show,” Clark said. 

This year’s production includes seasoned members of SLOCo as well as first-year members like Emily Mannion ’27, who plays the lead role of Quasimodo. Mannion, whose parents met at Stanford through theatre, has always wanted to be part of performances like this.

Ensemble member Diego Ahmad-Stein ’25 referenced the solo musical performances in Disney’s film adaptation, promising that audience members “can definitely look forward to those being awesome in our production as well.”

After quarters of rehearsing, SLOCo is ready to transform one of Stanford’s most beautiful sites into medieval Paris. 

“The cast that we have working on this project is incredible,” said Ahmad-Stein. “And I think if you come see the show, its specialness will speak for itself.” 

Tickets for “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” are available for purchase here. 

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