Tick-Tock: It’s Time for Grebel’s Musical “The Clockmaker’s Daughter!”

This March, Conrad Grebel University College’s Student Council will present the Canadian premiere of The Clockmaker’s Daughter, a musical written by composers Micheal Webborn and Daniel Finn. 

More than a year ago, the Musical Core Team began planning the entirely student-led musical and officially started rehearsals in January. Whether working backstage or centre stage, all cast and crew members have been dedicating their time outside of class to table reads, song rehearsals, costume designing, choreography, running sound and lighting systems, and more.

“From the beginning, Grebel musicals have been completely student-led productions, and because of that, it brings the student community together,” said Thao My Vu, the musical’s producer.

“There is great joy in being part of something synergistic and seeing the work of so many different people from a variety of backgrounds, not just theatre, come together in this amazing production,” they reflected. “I wanted to help bring people together on this production, so here I am.” 

Maya Valdez, who is playing the lead role of Constance, shared why Grebel musicals are unique. “We're able to pull this off as one residence of only 140 students, plus the apartment dwellers. We have a director, stage director, orchestra director, costumes, and makeup. Everything works perfectly together!” 

The most thrilling part about Grebel presenting this musical? Full creative freedom. “There are no recordings or pictures of the show that we could reference, so elements beyond the script and music like blocking, choreography, costumes, props, and more, were all painstakingly thought out by our creative team,” said Thao.

“The excitement that comes with enthusiastic Grebelites working on something they’re passionate about is infectious. It acts like a catalyst that brings around 100 students together on one big project, which is more than 70% of the students living at Grebel,” they explained. 

With less than a month left until the first show, musical members continue practicing songs and choreography and creating costumes and props while soaking in the joy of working with an all Grebelite cast and crew!

By Zoey Pearce

*Second image: Thao backstage at Grebel Student Council's production of "Something Rotten" in 2023 when they were the drummer.