Small Town Theatrics to present "The Hunchback of Notre Dame"

At its heart, community theatre is just that-community. It takes people from all walks of life coming together-sharing their time, talents, and resources-to bring each show to life. This summer, Small Town Theatrics celebrates its 16th season, a milestone made possible by the ongoing commitment, encouragement and generosity of a community that extends across the miles. For summer 2025, individuals from 18 communities have come together to present the powerful and timeless musical, The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Based on Victor Hugo's novel, Notre Dame de Paris, and the 1996 Disney animated film, The Hunchback of Notre Dame puts forth the important ideals of humanity, justice, belonging and community-themes that ring loudly with today's audiences.
"In a world quick to divide, we have the power to unite. This story reminds us that strength is found not in sameness, but in coming together-embracing our differences, lifting each other up, and choosing compassion over fear," said Jack Micetich, producer/director and founder of Small Town Theatrics.
With the famed cathedral as its backdrop, Hugo's powerful story unfolds not just as a tale of individual struggle, but as a reflection of an entire community learning what it means to come together, to be seen, valued and understood.
"The cast has embraced the central themes of this story and they tell it beautifully," Micetich said. "Each member of this powerhouse cast brings something unique to this production, and it's that very uniqueness that makes our community strong. Together, we tell a story that matters-one of justice, love, and the courage to stand as one."
Audiences will see this come to life on stage this weekend-July 17-20-in the Coal City Performing Arts Center at Coal City High School, 655 W. Division St., Coal City.
Hidden awry in the cathedral's bell tower by his uncle, Quasimodo longs to be a part of the world below. To find companionship beyond the statues, gargoyles and bells that surround him.
The cast is led by Logan Arroyo, a student at Lincoln-Way East High School in Frankfort. This is his debut performance with Small Town Theatrics, and he is "thrilled to be playing Quasimodo and to be working with this wonderful company."
The five principal performers range from high school seniors to college seniors and all have been recognized for their work in theatre by the Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards [IHSMTA] presented by Broadway in Chicago.
Arroyo, of Tinley Park, is a two time nominee for IHSMTA's Best Performance in an Actor Role, as was Coal City's Derek Carlson who is taking on the role of Phoebus de Martin-the cathedral's Captain of the Guard.
Phoebus and Quasimodo each find a special connection with the gypsy girl-Esmeralda. Payton Fraser, of Joliet, takes the stage as the strong-willed, yet kind and understanding Esmeralda. Much like her stage companions, Fraser is an IHSMTA nominee and in 2023 she was selected to represent the regional musical theatre awards program at the Jimmy Awards-the national high school musical theater awards in New York City.
Fraser is honored to be a part of this magical production, her first with Small Town Theatrics. Her hope is that audiences reflect on the importance of this story in today's world.
Esmerelda's position within the story is central to multiple characters from Dom Claude Frollo-Achdeacon of Notre Dame, and Clopin Trouillefou-who might best be described as the King of the Gypsies.
Collin Dames, of Diamond, dons the robe in this production as he takes on the demanding role of a man caught between faith and desire. While Clopin, played by Coal City's Aidan Kostbade, is the show's colorful storyteller and protector of his people. Both Kostbade and Dames were active in theatre during their time as students at Coal City High School and have continued to act during their college years. They too, are former IHSMTA nominees and have shared a Chicago stage with Fraser and Carlson.
"This cast is deeply dedicated to the arts-to telling stories that matter and showing audiences how art imitates life. The Hunchback of Notre Dame is the pinnacle of that mission-a powerful, timeless story that reflects the beauty and complexity of the human experience," Micetich said.
Small Town Theatrics was established to provide individuals in small communities with meaningful opportunities to explore the arts and grow as performers. Small Town Theatrics strives to give everyone an equal opportunity to become a part of something that is indescribable.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is bringing people from all walks of life together to experience the magic of theatre and as many cast members have said, this has been a magical summer. For a few members of the cast, this is also a chance to revisit a story that was cut short in the spring of 2020.
Eli Fritz was in the Coal City Theatre Department's production of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," when the state of Illinois announced the COVID shutdown. In that production he took the stage as Clopin and this summer he's a friend of Quasimodo as part of the gargoyles.
As opening night approaches, Fritz asks that we all take a moment and remember all those lost since this story first appeared on the Coal City stage.
Fritz is not only sharing the stage with fellow gargoyles-Melody Kinder, Izzy Kostbade, Liam Eber, Declan Kenny, Molly Czechanski and Lucas Fraga-but his father, Matt and brother, Theo.
"I am so grateful to be performing with my family in this production," said Theo Fritz, who plays Frederic.
The Fritz Family, of Coal City, is one of two families involved in the show as the brother and sister team of the Kostbades are taking the stage, as are the Eplings of Joliet. Mark Epling and his daughter, Kathryn are members of the choir.
"It brings me so much joy to see our theatre company bring families and communities together-both on stage and in the audience," Micetich said. 
The 48 member cast is assisted by a creative team comprised of Ann McMahan Kotze, music director; Kevin Soto, assistant director; Kilen Davidson, choreographer; Ann Gill, co-producer; Sophyia Williams, production assistant, and James Reinbacher, projections and special effects.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is being presented in cooperation with the Coal City Theatre Department with additional support from generous donations including a grant from the Community Foundation of Grundy County.
Tickets are available in advance by visiting smalltowntheatrics.org for all performances-Thursday, July 17, Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, July 20 at 2 p.m. Tickets will also be available at the door beginning one hour prior to each scheduled show time [cash only].
"In the end, the story is about people and their capacity for growth. And, our collective need to be seen, heard and loved, and to be a part of a community where everyone belongs. That has been our goal for the past 16 seasons and remains the foundation of our theatre company." Micetich said. "Our wish is for everyone to join our community and be a part of this magical experience we call theatre, please join us this weekend-you will be glad you did."
Featured performers from Coal City and Diamond include Collin Dames, Derek Carlson, Aidan Kostbade, Eli Fritz, Melody Kinder, Izzy Kostbade, Theo Fritz, Jared Counterman, Clayton Hannig, Elsa Bunton, Elaina Patte, Jordan Olson, Mason Hamilton, Charlotte Banks, Wyatt Chase, Caroline Childers, Kayla Connelly, Adaline Dowling, Sam Vota, Cora Armstong, Sammy Thackeray, Anne Bjelland, Matt Fritz and Corey Mikula.
Featured performers from Braidwood and Braceville include Kirsten Klein, Mark Martinez, Melissa Beever, and Victoria Eisenach.
Other performers are from Morris, Seneca, Minooka, Shorewood, Joliet, Plainfield, Romeoville, Frankfort, Bourbonnais, Kankakee, Dwight and Streator.