What makes a monster and what makes a man?

Theatergoers can’t stop talking about “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” and its brilliantly talented cast of high school performers who have thrilled audiences with their telling of Victor Hugo’s classic tale of the cathedral bell ringer named Quasimodo.
The company is led by Riley Nevin, who transforms into the hunchback before the audience’s eyes, a feature that captured the attention of those attending the opening weekend performances inside the Coal City Performing Arts Center.
“It was electric to say the least,” Nevin said of the opening weekend and he’s excited to once again strap on Quasimodo’s hump for three more shows this weekend.
There is more to the character than the hump on his back and even before stepping into the audition room, Nevin set out to learn more about the character, taking special care to understand Quasimodo’s physical and mental challenges.
Through this process he learned a lot about Quasimodo the man and has used that to develop his character and how he interacts with the show’s other principal players.
As Nevin depicts in the show, Quasimodo doesn’t have the limitations that others see in him.
“When its just Quasi there is no stutter when he talks, there are no physical disabilities or limitations, those are only seen by the public,” Nevin notes.
To see him on stage, audiences will note he takes great care to showcase the public and private versions of the character he plays.
One of Nevin’s greatest strengths is his character development and in this particular role making an individual who some may find primitive likable and relatable.
Although the original tale was penned in 1831, the central themes of love, kindness and understanding remain relevant today.
In developing this production, Nevin has learned a great deal about himself. One of the insights gained its to love the people closest to you.
In taking on this and other roles he finds inspiration from those around him, including his director Jack Micetich and the creative team he works with at Coal City High School.
As he pursues other avenues in theatre, Nevin is also drawing inspiration from new directors, castmates and experiences.
Inspiration also comes from audience members and their reactions and in this show he’s been particularly pleased with their reaction to “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” “Most people come in thinking its Disney and the musical is based more on the book with songs from the film, this is the darker side and they seem to like it,” he said.
Nevin has played a variety of characters since he first took the stage in junior high from Mufasa in “Lion King, Jr.” to Link Larkin in last summers production of “Hairspray,” presented by Small Town Theatrics.
Earlier this year he took the stage as Radames in the Illinois High School Theatre Festival’s production of “Aida,” and next month he will take the stage as Henry in the Beverly Arts Center’s production of “Next to Normal.”
Music has always been a part of Nevin’s life, be it singing karaoke in his grandmother’s basement or listening to his dad’s band, and that’s what drew him into the theater. If all goes as planned he will make a career of it.
He knows there will be bumps in the way and that not everything he hopes for will come true, it’s a lesson he’s learned in life and on the stage.
It’s the successes and failures in life that he uses as momentum to do better, achieve more and give it his all.
In the show the question comes of, “what makes a monster and what makes a man,” and to this Nevin answers simply, “the belief in love and going towards that. You can be good or bad, so choose correctly, because those who don’t are the monster.”
Nevin encourages everyone to join him and the cast of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” for the final weekend of performances.
“Don’t miss it, it’s just magnificent,” he said.
Performances are Friday, March 1,3 and Saturday, March 14, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 15, at 2 p.m. Reserved seat tickets are available at cchunchback.brownpapertickets.com or at the door, cash only, one hour prior to each performance.