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CHELMSFORD, Massachusetts (Nov. 19, 2025) – Members of the Chelmsford High School Theatre Guild have been practicing their square dancing and shining their cowboy boots in preparation for this weekend’s production of “Oklahoma!”

“Oklahoma!” tells the story of farm girl Laurey Williams, and her courtship by two rival suitors, cowboy Curly McLain and the sinister and frightening farmhand Jud Fry.

Like many of his castmates, junior Alex Kurth, who plays Curly, said he had never watched “Oklahoma!” before.

“Once it was announced in the spring, I watched it probably a hundred times,” he said.

Describing his character as an over-the-top cowboy, Kurth said he and the other members of the cast and crew have been working tirelessly preparing for opening night.

“We know how much work we put into it, so I’m excited for [audiences] to be able to see that,” he said.

Senior Armann McCarthy said his character, Jud, is a very lonely and misunderstood person.

“When you meet him, you do feel bad for him, but I just don’t think he knows how to express his emotions clearly,” he said, adding that he’s thrilled he landed that role. “I really like Jud as a character. I thought he was the most diverse character.”

When the show was first announced, McCarthy said he wasn’t sure what to expect because it was so different from other shows in which he’s been cast.

“As the process has gone along, this is one of my most favorite experiences that I’ve ever been part of,” he said. “I love the storyline. I think it’s brilliant. I think it’s funny. And that’s something we haven’t done in the past. It’s so hilarious, yet so emotional and brings a lot of depth, especially with my character.”

McCarthy said he has relished being able to be part of a production that’s more challenging than your typical high school musical.

“We have a lot to bring to the table and a lot to show,” he said. “I think this show has challenged all of us as actors, regardless of what role. It’s different, but it’s something that we all love.”

Like several other seniors in the cast, McCarthy said he is already starting to get emotional about this being his final performance at CHS.

“I can already feel that, after my song, tears are gonna flow,” he said. “It’s going to be sad, but this is such a banger show to go out with.”

Senior Lily Rogers, who plays Laurey, agreed that this production has been extremely sentimental.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better senior show,” she said. “[CHS Theatre] has been such a big part of my life, so to close that chapter is definitely bittersweet.”

Junior Aditya Bura plays Ali Hakim, a peddler who becomes entangled in a love triangle.

“There’s a lot of plot twists in this one,” he said of the musical, explaining that he first watched “Oklahoma!” the night before auditions.

As far as opening night is concerned, Bura said he is really looking forward to the cast showcasing all their talent.

“We have a great group of people, great directors, everything,” he said. “Hearing the audience’s reaction to the first number is going to set us up for the entire night, so if that reaction is good, we’re going to have a good show.”

Senior Sara Antonitis, a member of the ensemble cast, said she’s been having a fun time watching the show come together.

“The crew has been working really hard at building these huge set pieces and since the music is so difficult, we’ve put a lot of work into the music and harmonies and the pit has worked really hard as well,” she said. “It’s been a really great senior show.”

Antonitis said she’s hopeful audiences will enjoy all that hard work come opening night.

“It’s known as a classic and I hope it lives up to that,” she said.

If You Go …

WHAT: CHS Theatre Guild’s production of “Oklahoma!”

WHEN: Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 20-22, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 22, at 2 p.m.

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

COST: General Admission: $20; Students/Senior Citizens: $15; to purchase tickets, visit https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/chelmsford-high-school/68dfbcedb1ad8e4800f2dbe7 or pay at the door.

RUN TIME: 2 hours and 30 minutes

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.