BELTON, Texas—The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor's (UMHB) Kingdom Diversity Office invites local congregations and the general public to participate in their annual Multicultural Festival on Wednesday, April 17, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. The event will take place on the UMHB campus outside on King Street, next to the Musick Alumni Center and Museum at the Parker House.
"Participants may reserve a table to demonstrate and share with us the unique artifacts, traditions, food, clothing, arts, crafts, and other items that represent their culture," explained UMHB's director of Kingdom Diversity Dr. Sanfrená Britt. "We'll also have dancing, singing, spoken word, and more. The event is free to all, and our hope is that each year we grow and unite in meaningful ways. Bring your congregations, friends, and family and join us for this special annual event."
This is an opportunity to learn more about the various cultures that share our community and enhance our lives. To sign up for the Multicultural Festival, email kingdomdiversity@umhb.edu.
Later next week, UMHB's College of Visual and Performing Arts is excited to present the spring musical, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," in the Baugh Performance Hall at the Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center April 18 through April 21. Shows are at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 18, through Saturday, April 20, and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 21.
Adapted from the novel by Victor Hugo and the Disney animated feature, the stage version of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" features a book by Peter Parnell and additional songs and music from the team of Stephen Schwartz and Alan Menken. Set in Paris in 1482, the well-known story revolves around Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer who lives in the bell tower of Notre Dame Cathedral and whose only contact with the outside world is Archdeacon Claude Frollo. When Quasimodo escapes for one day, he encounters the beautiful gypsy, Esmeralda, who also enthralls Frollo and his handsome Captain of the Guard, Phoebus. As the three men vie for Esmeralda's attention, the situation escalates until it envelops all of Paris.
"Audiences will enjoy both familiar music found in the 1996 Disney animated film and be swept away by powerful new compositions," explained UMHB music professor Dr. Samantha Balboa. "This is a massive effort from the entire production team on and offstage and from the College of Visual and Performing Arts. I'm very excited for the community to share in this special event!"
Tickets are $25 each for adults, $10 each for children age 6-18, and free for children age 5 and under and seniors age 65 and above. Admission is also free for UMHB students, employees, and alumni with a valid Cru Card or Alumni card in person at the box office in the Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center.
To learn more about the spring musical, visit www.umhb.edu/pac. To purchase tickets, please call the Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center at 254-295-5999 or email pac@umhb.edu. Box office hours are noon to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
