Golden West has a hunch about this one

Classic theater, often gleaned from the library’s great books

section, has been a staple of the Golden West College curriculum, and

that tradition will continue this fall.

The stage versions of such novels as “Pride and Prejudice,” “The

Grapes of Wrath” and “Les Liaisons Dangereuses” all have made their

way to Golden West’s Mainstage Theater, along with such equally

renowned plays as “Hamlet,” “Oedipus Rex” and “The Crucible.”

Now Golden West is about to bring another classic novel to the

stage, one that certainly is a local premiere even though its origin

dates back a few centuries. It’s Victor Hugo’s “The Hunchback of

Notre Dame.”

Several movie versions of this story have been made -- Charles

Laughton’s comes most vividly to mind -- but the tragic Quasimodo

hasn’t trod the boards of local theaters in at least 40 years,

perhaps far longer.

“This production will feature an original adaptation by Charles

Morey and an original score by James Prigmore,” said director Tom

Amen, who will stage the production.

Amen will hold auditions at 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday in the

Mainstage Theater on the Huntington Beach campus. All roles are open,

and all types are needed, he stressed.

“This is a play with nine principal actors and a large ensemble

cast playing over 40 characters,” Amen said.

There are roles for 15 men, 10 women and one or two children, and

the age range required runs from 8 to 65.

“This is not a musical, but some singers and dancers are needed,”

Amen said. “Jugglers, acrobats, so on, also are strongly encouraged

to audition.”

Amen pointed out that no preparation, appointment or prior acting

experience are required to audition. However, he added, “reading the

novel or seeing one of the numerous film versions prior to the

audition would be helpful.”

The production will open Nov. 4 and run through Nov. 20. Further

questions should be directed to Amen at (714) 892-7711, ext. 55237.

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Independent.