Quasimodo and the Bells. Have you ever heard the bells of a great cathedral ringing across a city? In this charming adaptation of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, we meet Quasimodo, the kind-hearted bell ringer of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Though he looks different from others and struggles with deafness, Quasimodo finds friendship, comfort, and joy among the cathedral’s magnificent bells. Through imagination, music, and kindness, this delightful play introduces children to one of literature’s most memorable characters while celebrating the value of friendship and acceptance.
CHARACTERS:
VICTOR HUGO
WOMAN
MAN
FATHER FROLLO
QUASIMODO
BELL JACQUELINE
BELL GABRIELLE
BELL GUILLAUME (Largest Bell)
BELL MARIE
BELL THIBAULD
BELL PASQUIER (Smallest Bell)
BELL ELI
BELL SOPHIA
BELL ANNE
SCRIPT:
(Setting: Victor Hugo’s house. An 1829 calendar hangs on the wall. There is a table and a chair in the right-hand corner of the room. A lit candle, a notebook, and a pen are placed on the table. Victor Hugo enters and looks through the window.)
VICTOR HUGO: (Rubbing his hands together) It’s a cold day today… Anyway, (he turns to the audience) it’s time to write my next novel. And I know exactly what it will be about—The Hunchback of Notre Dame. (He sits, opens the notebook, takes the pen in his hands, and starts to write.) Once upon a time in Paris…
Lights off – Lights on
(Setting: Outside the cathedral. The Woman and the Man enter. The Woman is holding a baby in her arms, covered with a blanket.)
WOMAN: I’ll leave him here! He’s a monster! I hate him! (Leaves the baby on the floor.)
MAN: (Nervously) Let’s get out of here before somebody sees us!
(They leave. Father Frollo enters and hears the baby crying. He approaches to see the baby, picks him up, and uncovers him.)
FATHER FROLLO: Oh my God! It’s a boy! Poor baby… he’s grossly deformed! He must be cold and very hungry. I’ll take him inside, and I’ll give him some milk. I’ll take care of him.
(Father Frollo leaves.)
Lights off – Lights on
VICTOR HUGO: (Writing in the notebook) Many years later, before the Mass celebration…
Lights off – Lights on
(Setting: Inside the cathedral.)
FATHER FROLLO: (Yelling) Quasimodo! Quasimodo! (Quasimodo enters carrying a broom.) Stop sweeping the floor!
QUASIMODO: What? I can’t hear you!
FATHER FROLLO: (Yelling) Stop sweeping the floor and go to the bell tower to ring the bells. It’s almost time for Mass!
QUASIMODO: (Yelling) Yes, Father!
(Quasimodo walks slowly and leaves.)
FATHER FROLLO: Poor Quasimodo. The tremendous noise of the bells made him deaf.
(Father Frollo leaves.)
VICTOR HUGO: (Writing in his notebook) Quasimodo goes to the bell tower and starts to converse with the bells. They are his only friends.
Lights off – Lights on
(Setting: The bell tower. Quasimodo stands in front of the bells.)
QUASIMODO: Good morning, my dear friends.
ALL THE BELLS: Good morning, Quasimodo! Did you sleep well?
QUASIMODO: Yes, I did. But now, wake up. It’s time to work!
ALL THE BELLS: Oh no, not again!
(Quasimodo approaches each bell and takes the rope from each bell.)
QUASIMODO: Come on, Gabrielle, it’s time to make some noise!
BELL GABRIELLE: Yes, Quasimodo, today is Annunciation Day!
QUASIMODO: Thibauld, don’t be so lazy! Are you rusted?
BELL THIBAULD: I’m just relaxing.
QUASIMODO: Are you ready, Jacqueline?
BELL JACQUELINE: Yes, I’m ready. Just tell me when to sing.
QUASIMODO: Go, go, go, Guillaume, don’t be shy!
BELL GUILLAUME: Who, me? I’m the best one!
QUASIMODO: Pasquier, I know you’re the smallest, but you sing so beautifully!
BELL PASQUIER: I know. Everybody in Paris likes to hear me sing!
QUASIMODO: Eli! What are you doing? Pay attention!
BELL ELI: (Distracted) Oh, sorry. I was looking at the pigeons. Look how beautiful they are!
BELL SOPHIA: Stop talking; it’s getting late!
QUASIMODO: Are you ready, Anne?
BELL ANNE: Yes, I am. Take my rope and make me sing.
QUASIMODO: Marie, make them deaf, just like me!
BELL MARIE: I sure will! Let’s get to work, sisters! God wants to listen to our music and announce the coming of His Blessed Son.
(Quasimodo rings the bells.)
Lights off – Lights on
VICTOR HUGO: (He puts down his pen on the table) This is just the beginning of the story. (He closes the notebook.) I’m tired… I’ll continue tomorrow. (He blows out the candle. Sounds of bells. He stands up and leaves the room.)
Lights Off
The End
AUTHOR: K I D S I N C O – Based on “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”, written by Victor Hugo, a renowned French author, poet, and playwright. The novel was published in 1831 and has since become a classic in world literature, captivating readers with its powerful themes and unforgettable characters.
Conclusion: As the bells echoed throughout Paris, Quasimodo smiled. While many people misunderstood him because of his appearance, the bells were always there to keep him company. Their cheerful voices filled his lonely days with laughter and purpose. And as Victor Hugo closed his notebook for the evening, the story of Quasimodo was only beginning. His tale would go on to inspire generations with its message that true beauty comes from a kind and loving heart.
Moral of the Story: True friendship and kindness are more important than appearances.
Moral Values:
- Acceptance of people who are different.
- Kindness toward others.
- Compassion and empathy.
- Friendship and loyalty.
- Respect for all individuals.
- Looking beyond outward appearances.
- Understanding that everyone deserves love and belonging.
- Appreciating the unique talents and qualities of others.
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👉 External Resources:
- THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, By Victor Hugo – Project Gutenberg
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