Congratulations to the cast of WE WILL ROCK YOU for enduring the unique process and journey that was this year’s spring musical!
Amidst the tough realization that 2020’s musical would be canceled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, planning for the 2021 musical began. The production team was determined to create an opportunity for students to showcase their talents, gain a theatrical experience, and have fun despite any challenges that may arise due to the coronavirus. In the words of Queen, “The show must go on.”
We knew that we had to adapt to the new realities of the world. Our mindset was to approach the new circumstances we were presented as opportunities to be creatively brave and not as challenges. This entire production has been an example of problem-solving. So much of what we faced was about figuring it out and making breakthroughs.
The health and safety of the cast, production team, and their families was a priority and of the utmost importance as we navigated the ever-changing and ever-evolving safety guidelines and protocols. We rehearsed over Zoom and Google Meets, held outdoor rehearsals (during the winter months), and when we gathered, it was in socially distanced groups of no more than 10 people.
One of the reasons WE WILL ROCK YOU was chosen for this year’s musical was because it afforded us the opportunity to be flexible with filming locations. The story takes place in the future, so performing on a screen makes sense with the plot. Each location seen in the film was carefully scouted and meant to take place in an unknown time and place and provided enough space for everyone to remain distanced. And, almost the entire show was planned to be filmed outdoors keeping in mind everyone’s health and safety!
There is nothing like live theater, but the power of storytelling comes in many different mediums and we were excited to take on the opportunity to create a movie musical! We approached the scene work just as we would as if performing on a stage. Then, thinking in terms of camera blocking and different angles, we broadened our creativity to see the staging and choreography through the lens of a camera. The possibilities for our storytelling became endless! Every single line, lyric, reaction, and dance move was storyboarded (the shots planned for a film).
We hope you enjoy this one-of-a-kind movie musical! Never again may we have the opportunity to create such a production. We are grateful for the opportunity to perform in a year that has been filled with so much anxiety, stress, and loss. And, because you will be watching from the comfort of your own home, take this opportunity to sing along and rock with us!!!!! WE WILL ROCK YOU is told through the music of Queen after all!
~ Matthew Farina
