News

Annual children’s play, written and directed by students, runs April 25-27 with four performances

CHELMSFORD, Massachusetts (April 22, 2024) – Every spring, the Chelmsford High School Theatre Guild puts together a performance tailored to youth audiences; this year, that play is centered around pirates.

“It is about the son of a pirate, who is the captain of the ship, and he hopes to follow in his footsteps and also become the captain of the ship,” explained senior Alex Morrell, who wrote the play. “It follows this adventure that the entire crew goes on. It’s very fun. There’s singing, there’s dancing, there’s romance. … I just feel like it’s a super fun show.”

“Argh We There Yet?” will take the stage April 25-27 with four performances, including a matinee on Saturday afternoon.

“I have a little sister, so I’m really looking forward to her seeing this,” said Mr. Morrell. “She’s 6 years old. … I wanted to write something that she would enjoy and I think she will.”

Mr. Morrell said the idea for the play came to him when he was talking to one of his friends about the lack of pirate-themed musicals.

“There’s just so many lovable characters and it’s such a fun experience, not only to be a part of and direct, but also just sitting and watching it,” said senior Jocelyn Sylva, who is directing. “They’re bringing you along on this wonderful journey.”

Mr. Morrell, who started doing theater during his sophomore year, also wrote and directed last year’s children’s play, “Frenemy Feud.”

“This year, unfortunately, no one was really interested in applying [to write the play],” he said. “I had a great time writing it and, so far, I’ve had a great experience with the show. Everyone is working super hard and I’m very proud of how far we’ve come.”

Aside from being entertaining and fun for the whole family, the children’s play gives high school students a chance to get involved and try their hand at theatre, whether it’s as a cast member or working behind the scenes.

“It’s a really good opportunity for students, especially underclassmen, to become part of the Theatre Guild,” said Ms. Sylva, who’s been involved in theater since fifth grade.

Both Mr. Morrell and Ms. Sylva said they are excited to see the production come together in front of a live audience on Thursday night.

“One of the most magical parts of theater is when everything clicks together,” Ms. Sylva said. “I’m excited just for that opening night when you get to hear the applause and the laughter.”

If you go …

WHAT: “Argh We There Yet?” Children’s Play presented by the CHS Theatre Guild

WHEN: Thursday, April 25, at 6:30 p.m.; Friday, April 26, at 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 27, at 2 and 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Carl J. Rondina Performing Arts Center at Chelmsford High School, 200 Richardson Road, Chelmsford

RUN TIME: Approximately 60 minutes

TICKETS: General admission tickets are $10 and will be sold at the door; cash or Venmo will be accepted.

About Chelmsford Public Schools

The Chelmsford Public School District provides all students with multiple pathways to optimize their own potential for academic excellence, leadership, and social and emotional wellness. The mission of the Chelmsford Public Schools is to educate, engage, prepare, and empower well-rounded and knowledgeable learners to PERSEVERE through challenges, demonstrate RESPECT and INTEGRITY in their words and actions, are DEDICATED to their community, and display EMPATHY as global citizens while discovering and pursuing their full potential. This PRIDE-driven culture enables all members of the school community to support the growth and development of students. For more information, please visit www.chelmsfordschools.org.