Four Seasons Theatre Company's Production Delivers Passion, Power, and Visual Poetry
SMITHFIELD, UT / ACCESS Newswire / June 24, 2025 / In a season brimming with artistic achievement, Four Seasons Theatre Company has delivered a pair of unforgettable performances: the emotionally soaring The Hunchback of Notre Dame and the heartwarming magic of Mary Poppins. At the core of these triumphs stands Rachelle Clingo Walker Smithfield, whose choreographic genius has breathed rhythm, nuance, and soul into every scene.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a production that stuns with its scale, sincerity, and sheer power. Directed by Kody Rash and supported by a stellar creative team, the show transforms Victor Hugo's timeless tale into a deeply moving theatrical experience. While the haunting music of Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz sets the emotional tone, it is Rachelle Walker's choreography that gives the story a pulse.
From the visceral urgency of the opening number to the hypnotic, flowing dances of the gypsies, every movement on stage feels imbued with purpose. The ensemble dances with unity and precision, but never at the cost of individual expression something Rachelle is known to cultivate in her performers. As the gypsies swirl and soar across the cathedral steps, the audience is drawn into the world through dialogue and song, and body language. Her choreography tells the story between the lines, illuminating emotions that words alone cannot express.
The energy, depth, and authenticity in The Hunchback of Notre Dame owe much to this intricate dance work. "There is certainly no lack of mastery in the dancing," noted one reviewer, "and the gypsies will especially cause you to question if they're not truly magically hypnotizing you." This praise is not uncommon when Rachelle's name is on the playbill.
It's no surprise, then, that her previous work on Mary Poppins received similar acclaim. Known for its high demands in choreography from chimney sweeps tapping in unison on rooftops to the ethereal floating of the iconic nanny; Mary Poppins requires a choreographer who can blend fantasy with flawless execution. Rachelle delivered this and more, crafting numbers that were whimsical yet tight, playful yet technically refined.
With a rich background in performance and theatre arts, Rachelle Clingo Walker has become a creative pillar of the Four Seasons Theatre Company. She is lauded for her artistic contributions, inclusive and uplifting teaching style. Her ability to extract excellence from dancers of all skill levels is part of what makes her productions so special. Each performer, from lead to ensemble, shines under her guidance.
Born with a natural gift for movement and a keen eye for storytelling, Rachelle brings more than steps to the stage; she brings emotion. In The Hunchback of Notre Dame, this is evident in numbers like "Topsy Turvy" and "Esmeralda's Dance," where the choreography pulses with vitality and tension, echoing the story's themes of freedom, oppression, and resilience. It is choreography that complements the script and elevates it, translating complex internal struggles into powerful visual sequences.
In a production where themes of otherness, injustice, and redemption are explored with brutal honesty, it takes a special kind of choreographer to tread that emotional terrain with sensitivity and clarity. Rachelle does exactly that. Her movement choices mirror the restrained, yearning and liberated struggles of the characters; often capturing what cannot be spoken.
The cast, which includes the formidable Nathan Allen as Quasimodo, Daven Ritchie as the tormented Frollo, and Lorelle Frank as the radiant Esmeralda, all move through Rachelle's choreography with purpose and grace. And whether they're engaging in an intimate duet or a full-ensemble spectacle, the power of physical expression remains ever-present.
The set, crafted by Lineset Design and Fabrication, evokes the grandeur and solemnity of Notre Dame Cathedral. With its sweeping arches and haunting silhouette, it provides a perfect canvas for Rachelle's dancers to bring the story to life. The lighting design by Nikayla Nielsen and Beth DeWaal, along with sound by Justin Wellington and Afton Whitney, complement the choreography, spotlighting moments of intensity and repose.
All of this unfolds under the watchful eye of stage manager Danny Rash, ensuring each performance runs seamlessly serving as a testament to the collaborative spirit Rachelle fosters in every production she's part of.
Beyond the footlights, Rachelle's impact resonates throughout the community. She is a mentor to young dancers, a trusted creative voice among peers, and a believer in the transformative power of the performing arts. Her commitment to nurturing local talent is unwavering, and her presence has become synonymous with artistic integrity in northern Utah.
"Rachelle is more than a choreographer," said one colleague. "She's a storyteller, a guide, and a quiet force of excellence behind the scenes. Her dances entertain and communicate."
In a world where theatrical productions often lean on spectacle over substance, Rachelle Clingo Walker Smithfield proves that authenticity, heart, and movement still hold center stage. Through her work on The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Mary Poppins, she has once again demonstrated that great theatre requires great actors or singers and great choreography that binds the experience into something truly unforgettable.
As The Hunchback of Notre Dame continues its run, audiences are invited to witness a production where music, lighting, acting, and movement coalesce into a story of deep emotional power. And at the center of that emotional resonance is the unsung choreography of Rachelle Walker, whose work reminds us that dance is an art form and a language of the soul.
About Rachelle Clingo Walker Smithfield
A proud mother of four boys and wife to Trevor Walker, Rae balances a full-time role as a bookkeeper at Kirby Creative Accounting with her passion for community involvement. She manages finances for the corporate office of Joe Homebuyer and also explores her creative side through freelance UX design, a skill she honed after earning her Google UX Design Certificate in 2023.
Rae's commitment to community shines through her volunteer work. In 2014, she launched a children's athletic club in South Jordan, which expanded to serve over 800 participants. She's contributed more than 500 hours to the Family Support Center and Utah's Domestic Violence Coalition, supporting families and individuals in need.
Her love for the arts still plays a role in her life as she directs the annual musical at Sunrise Elementary, encouraging students to find their voice and confidence through performance. Whether she's choreographing a school production, planting in her backyard garden, or cheering from the sidelines at her sons' games, Rae brings heart, creativity, and leadership to everything she does.
Whether she's tending her garden, practicing yoga, balancing spreadsheets, or supporting local families, Rachelle Clingo Walker Smithfield leads with compassion, creativity, and a deep commitment to community growth.
Media Contact:
WalkerFamilySunshine
Rae's Dance Workshop
Smithfield, UT
SOURCE: Rachelle Clingo Walker Smithfield
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