Theater Announces 2020-21 Season

By Katie Kreitzer, Theater Director
September 3, 2020

“We’re all in this together.”

We’ve heard these words of encouragement for seven months now used to help us through this crazy time of Covid-19. This expression of solidarity during the pandemic also happens to be a hit single from this year’s musical: High School Musical! “We’re all in this together” is also perfect for all of us as we start this new 20/21 school year which is turning out to be “effortful.” We are not alone. We will have challenges. Challenges certainly exist, such as figuring out a way to produce high school theater. But, we can do this. Together. 

On Thursday, September 6, students gathered in the CDH courtyard (and also on Zoom) to hear the announcement of this year’s theater season.  The annual announcement ceremony was masked and socially distanced, but the energy was palpable as our Raiders eagerly listened to what this year had in store. 

If all goes well, the fall play, Alice in Wonderland, will be performed OUTSIDE at St. Catherine’s University next to the Labyrinth. If you have not experienced the prayer Labyrinth at St. Kates, you are in for an aesthetic treat. The space is absolutely beautiful and has been graciously shared with us through Wisdom Ways located in the Carondelet Center. The show will also be live-streamed and available for those who can’t make it to the outside performance. How cool is that? 

The musical will happen early this year. Auditions will take place in November and the show will be live-streamed the first two weekends in February.

If you are unfamiliar with High School Musical, the title reveals a lot. Basically, it’s about a talented athlete and an academically gifted student who unexpectedly land the leading roles in the high school musical and throw off the status quo. My plan is to mock the genre and capitalize on the humor of mask-wearing teens. We are also hoping to incorporate our latest gift from CDH Theater Alumni, Kurt Schmidt ’06, who graciously donated his green screen to the Lillian Theater. Graduate and choreographer, Jacob Hermann ’09, along with current CDH students, will be in charge of our live streaming and film creation and editing. Remember – We’re all in this together.  

In the spring, we will dive deep into our roots and produce two plays that will hit close to home. Literally. Both plays were produced through the History Theater in St. Paul and rights were granted due to the gracious spirit of artistic director, Ron Peluso and the playwrights. The shows, Watermelon Hill and The Highwaymen, explore true stories about our beloved city of St. Paul. Watermelon Hill tells the story of three unwed mothers-to-be who were sent to the Catholic Infant Home in the mid 1960s. The Highwaymen tells the story of the construction of Interstate 94 which destroyed the thriving, tight-knit Rondo neighborhood. Sharing these stories will, undoubtedly, have a powerful impact on our community but we know it’s important for all of us to dive deep and uncover the stories which should not be hidden. 

As always, we plan to end the year with the 24 Hour Create A Play in the spring which is one hundred percent student-driven and always becomes our favorite event of the year. We will also highlight the year with improvisation shows to keep us laughing and coffee houses/open mics to keep us connected as artists.  

My hope is that we can see the opportunities that this year brings rather than the limitations. Yes, the coronavirus definitely changes the way we will create theater. But, the reality is: we can still create theater. And, you, as audience members are an essential part of the creation. Without you, there is no theater. So, please do what you can to support these amazing kids this year. They need you more than ever. 

Parents and Guardians of CDH Theater Students, please note: When a student auditions for a CDH play, they must complete a conflict calendar with your signature verifying their availability. The conflict calendar will have a deadline and must be completed on time in order for the student to be cast. If your son/daughter is planning on auditioning, this conflict calendar can be picked up three days prior to the audition.