Introducing the Heroine and Villain of Cabrillo Stage’s Hunchback of Notre Dame

By Mindy Pedlar

Every good show needs a good villain!

Ours is played by the remarkably talented David Murphy.

He describes his character, the Archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo, as “a terrifyingly cruel person who, at his core, believes he is completely and fundamentally right. From burning Paris to burning people, he has a divine justification for everything he does and truly doesn’t view himself or his actions as the problem.”

In playing such a sinister character, David acknowledges the challenge of making Frollo human.

“It would be way too easy to twirl the mustache, drop the voice, and make Frollo just evil incarnate throughout the entirety of the show,” he said. “He consistently does terrible things, but there are a few, brief moments where he exposes just the slightest bit of humanity.”

David continued: “I think leaning into those moments and finding places where he tries to justify his actions in a way that normal people might relate to, understand, or slightly sympathize with will ever-soslightly raise him up, making his resulting fall even more impactful. Frollo’s singular goal is to escape damnation; and in doing so, he acts in plenty of ways that would no doubt ensure it. He is, of course, oblivious to that fact, which is where the fun of playing such a character lies.”

David has a deep rich voice and his rendition of the song “Hellfire” is amazing. Still, his favorite song in the show is the finale, “both for the beauty of its message and the sheer ‘whoomph’ you get as an audience member when every single actor and choir member unleashes all the sound they can give. That’s part of what makes Hunchback such a fun show to be a part of, or watch; you can’t escape that tingle you get when the Wall of Sound spins up!”

As for our heroine, enter Kristi Garcia, the powerful actress playing Esmeralda, whom she describes as “a spitfire and a force of nature. She appears confident, but knows what it feels like to be an outcast. She is deeply compassionate, emotionally intelligent, and she isn’t afraid to speak up about injustice.”

Kristi feels a connection to her character saying, “We are both hyperindependent women who have difficulty holding our tongues, but always speak with good intent. Esmeralda’s outspokenness comes from a deep-seated need to call out the injustice she sees. Storytelling gives a voice to those in our society who may not have one by shedding light on the injustice they are forced to endure. I once

Name New Jade Street Playground

The City of Capitola is developing a universally accessible playground at Jade Street Park. The conceptual playground design will be finalized this summer, and a fundraising campaign will kick off later this year.

Local community members are invited to submit a name for the playground. Suggestions will be accepted through Aug. 31.

“Hernandez” from page 6

She oversaw the Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Program, Immunization and Travel Clinic, and the Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic. She provided guidance and direction for public health preparedness, the Public Health Pharmacy, and the Public Health Laboratory.

Before coming to Santa Cruz, she was the health officer/Director of Public Health

A committee made up of County Park Friends staff, City of Capitola staff, and community representatives will determine the “top 3” to be sent to the City Council for their ultimate discussion and approval in the fall. n

•••

To submit a name, see www.countypark friends.org/ for the Monterey County Public Health Department.

She has a bachelor’s degree from Yale University, a doctorate of medicine from Georgetown University School of Medicine, and a master of public health from the UC Berkeley. She had medical residencies in obstetrics and gynecology and another in preventive medicine.

Newel is to retire in July to provide a transition period. n had a director tell me I had ‘moxie,’ and that is exactly how I’d describe Esmeralda.”

Kristi will melt your heart with her beautifully sung rendition of “God Help The Outcasts” which many will remember from Disney’s version of this story.

However, as an actress Kristi most enjoys performing “Someday,” the emotionally moving ballad shared between Esmeralda and Phoebus. She feels the song “so exquisitely captures the desperation and the hope we feel to someday see a fairer world.”

Don’t miss this glorious musical that entertains, inspires and tugs at your heartstrings, July 6 through July 30. All performances are in the Crocker Theater on the Cabrillo College campus in Aptos. n

Tickets available online at cabrillostage. com. Box Office now open for phone and walk in sales, Thursday–Saturdays 12-6 p.m.,

831-479-6154. Special opening night discount $10.00 off general or premiere seating Friday, July 7, with the promo code TheBells. $20 student rush tickets available at the box office 30 minutes before curtain (excludes Sunday matinees). Group discounts for 10 or more available on the website.