This article is part of a series focused on this year’s motto of Unum: Engage, which highlights how students engage as one in different groups across campus. 

Cross-dressing, rivalry, humor, horror, and so much more. Shakespeare in Love was CCHS’s fall production of 2024 and it did not disappoint.

The play is about Shakespeare falling in love with a woman who also happens to be playing Romeo (a dude) in his production of Romeo and Juliet. The story follows the two lovebirds on their confusing trial-filled journey towards love. Roya Ostasdan ’26 viewed the play and stated, “Everyone in the play was really good, they were very funny, and they put a lot of heart in it.”

Viola, played by Ella Jorgensen, is the colorful heiress with big dreams of making it in the play world. But as a woman at that time it’s a bit difficult, since women were not allowed to participate in plays. Viola perseveres and dresses as a man in order to take part in her passions.

Jorgensen’s favorite scene from the play is when Shakespeare has to pretend to be a girl to ward off suspicion of him being in Viola’s bedroom. She commented that, “I’ve made so many new friends and also been able to reconnect with all the old ones from previous shows.” She also said, “it’s really cool because you also get all these new freshmen and they’re all so talented.”

Not just this production, but the theater program as a whole is a wonderful place where students of all ages form lifelong friendships and create a positive team-building environment, whilst also creating art in the process.

Ms. Wilson, the play’s director and head of the Drama department states that, “This group really did bond and work together.” She said that she told the cast that “if you are always looking out for each other the show will be great, it can’t help but be great.”

Ella prepared for her daunting lead role by practicing her lines with her mom, and participating in many rehearsals. Jorgensen also said that Ms. Wilson is, “seriously one of the most amazing people in the Cathedral community… if you ask anyone their opinion of Ms. Wilson it’s the same reaction every time, she’s the sweetest, most inclusive I have ever met.” Ms. Wilson is constantly working with cast members and is a true reflection of the kindness and positivity that comes from CCHS’s productions and theater community.

Make sure to check out Cathedral’s next productions of Once Upon a Mattress and Sense and Sensibility! Our high school is bursting with talent from student actors and actresses so come engage with future productions to see for yourself the excitement and unity!