Submitted photosQuasimodo takes his part in the Feast of Fools as other Parisians dance and sing in MCC’s Arts & Letters’ production of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” which opens Thursday in the Ivy Hall McCain Theater on campus.

The second of two new shows presented this season by the Arts & Letters Series at Meridian Community College debuts this week on the Highway 19 North campus.

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” opens Thursday in the Ivy Hall McCain Theater on campus. Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, the production will be presented through Nov. 19.

Curtain time is at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and on Sunday, Nov. 20, the matinee begins at 2 p.m.

With its sweeping score and powerful story, this musical comes to life and begins when the bells of Notre Dame sound through the famed cathedral in 15th century Paris. Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer who longs to be “Out There,” observes all of Paris reveling in the Feast of Fools.

Held captive by his devious caretaker, the archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo, Quasimodo escapes for the day and joins the boisterous crowd, only to be treated cruelly by all but the beautiful gypsy, Esmeralda. Quasimodo isn’t the only one captivated by her free spirit, though – the handsome Captain Phoebus and Frollo are equally enthralled. As the three vie for her attention, Frollo embarks on a mission to destroy the gypsies and it’s up to Quasimodo to save them all.

Ezekiel Andrew of Greenwood will star as the Hunchback. Described as “an amazing young man” by Arts & Letters Series coordinator Dr. Todd Brand, Andrew performed the role professionally out West this summer. Andrew is a master’s level student in vocal performance at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Tickets for “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” are $10, adults, $5, children, and may be purchased by calling The MCC Foundation office at 601-484-8696.