Three questions with Hunchback's Murphy Siblings

Not one, but two Murphy Siblings are performing in this month's production of Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame at LWE April 27-29 ($10 tickets at lwemusic.org) sat down to chat with us about the upcoming show.

You are siblings in a show together! Congratulations to your mom! Is it nice for you two ? Are there challenges with being in a show together, or does this happen all the time?

Honestly, it’s quite an entertaining experience. We haven’t been in many musical theatre shows together so this is a fun experience! It’s nice because we can discuss things about the show and give each other notes on how we can improve more and we are truly very close as siblings so it’s so fun to be silly during rehearsals and make jokes. At the end of the day, we treat each other more like close friends than anything!

Did you practice for auditions together? Do you help each other with rehearsals or lines or your roles in the show ?

We did practice a bit but when it comes to auditions we are pretty independent. We both have very different voices and acting/character choices but we go back and forth and do our independent auditons for each other and give each other notes and advice on how to become a more successful performer. We are both constantly learning about how to be more impressive and unique with our performances and we are constantly learning from each other!

Rose, as an ensemble member you have so much music to learn and to sing. Please tell us about your favorite piece/song in the show, and why is it your favorite?

My favorite piece from the show is probably made of stone because I love the artistic choices in the song that truly exposes what goes on in Quasimodo's mind through all the pain and confusion he’s had through his life. However, my favorite song to sing is either Entr’acte or Hellfire, because the sound and meanings and emotions in the songs are so powerful and I think it’s a true blessing as an ensamble member to be able to sing those amazing songs!

Malachy: You play Jehan, Frollo’s brother in this show. What is the importance of Jehan, besides the fact that he’s Quasimodo’s father? What does he symbolize?

Jehan is important because he is an example of a family member that we love very much but is lost within themselves. He doesn't belong in the strict setting in the cathedral. My interpretation is that he never disliked the cathedral, he really appreciated the whole Sancuary idea. But I think he struggled with faith when everyone around him was so strict. So he turned and ran away. Thats why Jehan's fate is so heartbreaking: it's because Frollo only wanted to help him, but Jehan kept disobeying the rules to what Frollo thought was right, and there must be consequenses. With some conseqences, no one can help anymore. I think everyone can relate to Frollo and Jehan's relationship.

Would either of you like to comment on the set?

And what’s next for each of you after this musical?

Rose: Over the summer I’m planning on doing outside musical theatre productions and hoping for the best! As for the future, next year i will be auditoning for madrigals and the musical again until senior year and I will be applying to the University of Central Florida and persuing theatre and hopefully major in musical theatre, and live my dream and apply for the disney college program!

Malachy: As for me, this summer I will be getting a job and taking classes at Second City. The following school year, I will be attending Western Michigan University to try and follow my passion of entertaining

Best of luck to both of you! You can catch the Murphy siblings and all the other talented actors, musicians, and crew members plus the amazing set of Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame at Lincoln-way East High School for only $10. Tickets will be sold at the door one hour before showtime, or skip the lines and purchase online at lwemusic.org Show times are April 27 and 28 at 7pm, April 28 at 1pm, April 29 at 3pm.