Three questions with Hunchback's Anmarie D'Ortenzio

Anmarie D'Ortenzio is a sophomore at Lincoln-way East High School in Frankfort IL She will be playing the part of Clopin, the Gypsy Queen, in the upcoming LWE production of Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame April 27-29 (Tickets $10 at the door or at lwemusic.org)

Anmarie, the part of Clopin is often played professionally as a male character. What challenges did you face in the translation of Clopin into a female character? Does Esmeralda's relationship with Clopin change with her being female?

This part definitely had it's challenges! Chopin, either male or female, is such a strong character. The biggest challenge was definitely her attitude. I decided to make Clopin a strong female who was not influenced by the feminine stereotypes of her time. This was difficult to translate from male to female because men dominated the world then, so male Clopin wouldn't have had to worry about gender and it's influence on how people treated him so much. Yet, this challenge became fun because I got to create my own character. I truly believe Clopin's relationship with Esmeralda changes over the course of the musical. I interpret their bond as something that is bound together by mutual understanding. They are both female gypsies who are discriminated against, and there is a sense of womanhood. Yet, Clopin's motive throughout most of the show, almost to the end, is to make money, and she will do anything, even hurt Esmeralda's chance with Phoebus, to get to that money.

Is Clopin a protagonist or an antagonist then? Does Clopin care about the gypsy people she leads? Does she care about anyone else?

This is a tough question! Clopin is a dynamic character. She is an antagonist in the beginning; her only goal is money and she cares only for the safety and wellbeing of herself and her gypsy people. Yet, she becomes a protagonist in the end, saving Phoebus from his death and accepting others, and, in no small way, helps to save the people of Paris in the process.

What's next for Anmarie after this show?

After this show is over, I am headed to Madrid to study Spanish for a month in July. After that, I am taking a family vacation to Italy and Greece. I LOVE to travel and explore the world. I am excited for a little break from music this summer, but I am also excited to come back better than ever for musical auditions in the fall!

Well we hope to see more of you as well, Anmarie. In the meantime, catch her and the rest of this amazing group performing Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame at LWE Fine Arts Auditorium , 201 Colorado, Frankfort IL. Show times are April 27 and 28 at 7pm, April 28 at 1pm and April 29 at 3pm. Tickets will be on sale at the door for $10 one hour before showtime, and are on sale NOW at lwemusic.org