On Saturday, April 26, 2025, Young Artists of America (YAA) will present Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame in the largest production ever presented by professional or student companies. It will feature over 200 exceptional, local young artists from YAACompany, YAAOrchestra, YAAJunior, and the Richard Montgomery High School Concert Choir for one performance only at the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda, MD.
YAA, based out of Montgomery County, Maryland, provides the brave space for young artists at all skill levels and various ages to experiment, take risks, and imagine the world through their artistry. YAA is the recipient of a Regional Emmy Award, has performed on world-class stages, hosted Tony-winning Broadway and classical performers as guest mentors, and paved the careers for many budding industry performers who have gone on to perform on Broadway and other professional stages around the country.
Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, The Hunchback of Notre Dame showcases the film’s Academy Award-nominated score, as well as new songs by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz. Costumes are by Ryan J. Moller courtesy of Tuacahn Center for the Arts, Ivins, Utah, and original projection designs are by Dominic Grijalva in New York, NY.
The musical begins as the bells of Notre Dame sound through the famed cathedral in fifteenth-century Paris. Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer who longs to be “Out There,” observes all of Paris reveling in the Feast of Fools. Held captive by his devious caretaker, the archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo, he escapes for the day and joins the boisterous crowd, only to be treated cruelly by all but the beautiful Romani woman, Esmeralda. Quasimodo isn’t the only one captivated by her free spirit, though – the handsome Captain Phoebus and Frollo are equally enthralled. As the three vie for her attention, Frollo embarks on a mission to destroy the Roma – and it’s up to Quasimodo to save them all.
A sweeping score and powerful story make The Hunchback of Notre Dame an instant classic. Audiences will be swept away by the magic of this truly unforgettable musical.
Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, presented by Young Artists of America (YAA), performs one night only, Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 7:00 PM at the Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852. Tickets range from $18-$78 and are available online.
About YAA
YAA is a 501(c)3 non-profit committed to reimagining the landscape of arts education by delivering transformative, innovative, and inclusive arts programming that propels students in their personal and artistic development, while bringing exceptional performances to the community. YAA’s vision is to help each student “Find their Voice” on the stage, and in life.
