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the production. While everything is heavily based in the cathedral, there's still seven other settings — brought to life by set pieces rolled on stage at the right times. Young says the Quasimodo costume includes period-appropriate clothing but does not involve prosthetics; rather, most of the work to portray his physical appearance is done with how he holds his body. The rest is a minimal approach to how Quasimodo must have maintained his hair and clothing while living in the bell tower — ratty clothing, disheveled hair and such. "We felt it was disingenuous to the disability community to make a caricature" of a hunchback, Dolan says. "There's no way to accurately portray that, so we focused on the similarities." "Anything we could do that way (to create a physical hunchback) won't live up to the imagination," Young says. Standing hunched over for long periods of time makes for an extra challenge while trying to belt out each number of the show, since posture is important for singing. "With this role, it's challenging vocally," Young says. "Musically, it's very hard and physically, when you're bent over," he explains, noting that you have to stay in good shape to keep that up. Tonally, many of the notes he has to hit are very high. And singing powerfully requires keeping good breath control and breathing from your diaphragm — all hard work while doubled over. Between rehearsals, Young has to be mindful of not straining his voice and staying hydrated so his vocal chords stay healthy. "There are many reasons this role is perfect for him," Dolan says. "His vocal capabilities are phenomenal; he brings such control and precision to incredibly difficult songs. There's never a concern of whether he's going to get there." Dolan says Young has a particular challenge with the arrangement of the musical, which has the most difficult songs toward the end. Most other productions have the hardest songs early on, so the singers aren't so fatigued. Despite the difficulties to making this production work, Young says the opportunity to embody a kind soul like Quasimodo is a unique experience. "Living this character every day takes a toll," he says. "It's definitely the most challenging role, but it's incredibly rewarding. The character has a unique outlook on life." "Aaron is an incredibly kind and inclusive human being," Dolan says. "What he brings to this character is truly loving this world and a desire to make it a better place. To understand Quasi, you have to know he's the best of us, kind and caring. It's a very natural fit for Aaron, and he does it beautifully." THE LINCOLN CENTER THEATER PRODUCTION AUG. 9-14, 2022 | 8 SHOWS Broadway Series Sponsor: Broadway Supporters: Bob & Becky Alexander Friends of Broadway Media Support: Additional Support: Bill & LeAnn Underwood 4 WHAT'S UP! JULY 17-23, 2022 Hunchback Continued From Page 3 To imagine what's to come in Arts One Presents' "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," AOP Performing Arts Program Manager Taylor Dolan says to imagine the Disney songs expanded into a grander affair. The musical has two separate ensembles and 70 cast members for twice the sound, "a big, glorious wall of music." (Courtesy Photo/Arts One Presents) SPRINGDALE