Three questions with Hunchback's Brendon Mccray

HND Patch caught up with LWE senior Brendon McCray to discuss his upcoming role in Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame which will be at LWE April 27-29 (tickets $10 at lwemusic.org)

Throughout this musical, Quasimodo talks with his Gargoyle friends. Although they are made of stone, they interact with him and give him advice and consolation. How do you envision this relationship? Are they his imaginary friends or an extension of his personality? Or do they represent something more?

1) I think that the Gargoyles are something more than just something from Quasimodo’s imagination. I think that they’re the essence of Notre Dame that protect him and guide him, like guardian angels. That’s why you only see them in the cathedral and why only he can see them, because Quasimodo has such a special bond with the cathedral that no one else quite has.

Which song in this musical most helps you define or convey who Quasimodo is and what he is about?

2) Definitely “Out There”. That song shows how much unbridled hope and longing Quasimodo has. He wants to explore the outside and is content with any time he’s given outside. It’s definitely a song that showcases his emotion and hope.

What's next for Brendon McCray after this musical?

3) Actually the weekend after the musical is the LWE Jazz Showcase, which I’m definitely looking forward to (May 4th and May 5th. Tickets at lwemusic.org ). I have another choir and band concert as well as AP tests, but once those are done, it’s smooth sailing to graduation. After graduation I’m going to be working a lot over the summer, but I hope to be able to do a show as well. Once summer is over I’m going to New York University to study Voice Performance in Musical Theatre.

Best of luck to you Brendon McCray and we can't wait to see your performance in Hunchback of Notre Dame this April 27, 28, 29 at Lincoln-way East High School, 201 Colorado, Frankfort IL