Overview

High School Zoomsical is an original musical short created during the COVID-19 shutdown. When a ten-year high school reunion moves online, former choir student Patti Peters reluctantly reconnects with her classmates—and discovers an unexpected opportunity for romance.

Written by Drew Fornarola and directed by Jessica Ryan, the production brought together more than 50 Broadway performers and musicians. It was filmed remotely using approximately 60 computers across 15 states.

Contribution

Matthew Solomon served as Production Designer, developing a cohesive visual world across the production’s many independently filmed locations and digital frames. With the performers working remotely, the design transformed individual environments and the familiar Zoom interface into a unified setting that supported the musical’s characters, comedy, and storytelling.

Selected Credits

Script and Score: Drew Fornarola

Director: Jessica Ryan

Original Concept and Producers: Sarah Ellis, Greg Kamp

Production: MT Shorts, in association with Broadway Unlocked

Starring: Ryann Redmond, Alan Wiggins, Kay Brown

Choreographer: Kate Bailey

Music Director: Jeremy Robin Lyons

Production Designer: Matthew Solomon

Assistant Costume Designer: Madeline Corcoran

Editors: Aaron Milus, Eric Bachaus

Executive Producers: Andrew Goren, Larry Goren — Harmony Helper

Virtual Premiere: November 15, 2020

Online Release: March 31, 2021

Recognition: MT Shorts was recognized at the 2020 Zoomtopia Innovation Awards for using Zoom as both a film set and a central part of the story.