A Unique Production for a Unique Year

By Valerie Krinke '22, Communications Apprentice
May 6, 2021

This year, Cretin-Derham Hall Theater adapted to the restrictions from COVID-19 in a very creative way. The spring musical was High School Musical. The theater decided to create a movie for the whole CDH community to watch. All of Cretin-Derham Hall turned into the set. The theater, gym, and classrooms became the stages for the movie. Many people were involved in making this production possible, including faculty, alumni, and students. 

The team used Zoom to practice the songs, and then they were able to come together to work on choreography and filming. Each scene was filmed separately, making it easier to memorize lines than for a traditional play. The cast and crew appreciated the opportunity to try something entirely new.

“It was an incredible experience for me,” said David Ek ’21, who played Troy Bolton, one of the leads. “I decided I wanted to try something new my senior year and it turned out to be the best two months I had at CDH. I learned so much from working with our filmmaker, John TerEick ’11 and the theater department as a whole. I had no idea what it would be like to make a film and how much thought and creativity goes into it. It was really cool to feel we were on a real movie set in a way.”

TerEick is a professional filmmaker and returned to campus to help with the production.

“I was so unbelievably blown away by these kids and their commitment to making this happen,” he said. “There are people I work with in the industry who don't possess that level of commitment to the work that we do on commercials. It was just amazing to see these kids get this new way of looking at their show and really jump into it.”

The cast party was held before screening the movie at a movie theater. 

Ellen Murphy '22 was a member of the ensemble. She had never been involved in the CDH theater before, but wanted to try something new. 

“This was one of the cooler things I’ve done during COVID, and it was cool that we got to see it for the first time together,” Murphy said. The movie was made available on a streaming service to watch at home, or at a showing on the CDH baseball field.

Math teacher Mark McGuire played the role of the basketball coach. He has been involved with various things in the theater's past because he loves the community. McGuire was able to watch the movie at home, with friends, saying, “it was so much fun to watch.” 

The musical allowed members of the CDH community to come together during this unpredictable year. Many people got involved with theater for the first time, but there were also students who have been involved in many theater productions and got to make their first movie. 

“It was amazing to see this movie highlight our kids and what they can do,” said McGuire.” 

“High School Musical” was Ek’s first theater production, and he was grateful for the chance to be part of such a hardworking group.

“I have never seen harder work put in at CDH than I did during this show,” he said. “The theater department is incredible and doesn’t get enough credit. Seeing all of our hard work come together at the end was an unforgettable moment as well.”

Murphy’s favorite song was the final one, “All In this Together.”

“That song represented how valuable the musical was,” she said. 

Valerie Krinke '22 is a Communications Apprentice. She is also involved in JROTC, Swim Team, service activities, and Drill Team. "I love the CDH community," she said. "There are many diverse parts of the community whether it is sports, music, or service; there is truly something for everyone."