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Cast, crew prepare for opening night, four-show run 

CHELMSFORD, Massachusetts (November 16, 2023) – Chelmsford High School’s Theatre Guild has been hard at work at the Carl J. Rondina Performing Arts Center as they prepare to take the stage in “Mamma Mia!” which will feature four performances, Nov. 16-18.

For Erin Maitland, this will be her first production as Chelmsford High School’s theatre director.

“It’s been pretty amazing,” she said. “The students have been so welcoming and they’re so talented, so they’ve made my job a lot easier. … I couldn’t have asked for a better group of kids.”

Ms. Maitland also praised the hard work of those who don’t appear onstage, including technical director Craig Robertson, vocal director Martha Robertson and Matthew Buono, director of the pit orchestra.

“I’ve been very lucky to have a wonderful team around me,” she said. “And the understudies have been stellar. They haven’t missed a beat.”

Mr. Buono spoke very highly of the talented musicians he’s had the pleasure of working with for this musical.

“I’m excited to see their hard work pay off,” he said. “It’s very special to have a pit that is majority student based. We only have three professionals down there.”

Stage manager Kristen Shea, a senior at CHS, said she has enjoyed every aspect of working on “Mamma Mia!” from helping with auditions to taking notes and providing insights to the director.

“I love seeing when the costumes and the lighting and audio come together,” she said. “It’s like wow, all these pieces that we worked so hard for all mesh into one amazing show. Everyone’s talents are emphasized by other aspects.”

Still in disbelief that this is the final musical of her high school career, Ms. Shea said she’s really looking forward to opening night.

“Everyone’s worked really hard,” Ms. Shea said. “And I think we’re ready.”

Lily Rogers, a sophomore who plays Sophie, said she has enjoyed watching high school productions since she was young and is thrilled to be part of this one.

“It’s been so awesome,” she said. “Everyone’s been super supportive this year. It’s been so much fun.”

Jocelyn Pica, a junior who plays Lisa, said “Mamma Mia!” is one of her favorite musicals, and she jumped at the chance to be part of this production.

“The minute I found out we were doing ‘Mamma Mia!’ I was ecstatic,” she said. “It’s such a fun musical.”

Sophomore Armaan McCarthy said he loves being a member of the ensemble cast, showcasing both his dancing and singing abilities, and being surrounded by so many other talented individuals.

“We are so ready to show everyone this amazing show,” he said, applauding the entire cast for all their hard work. “Being in theatre, it’s like a community, so it’s more than just putting on a show. … It’s like you’re a family.”

If you go

Show times for “Mamma Mia!” are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16, Friday, Nov. 17, and Saturday, Nov. 18. There will also be a matinee at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. Run time is 2 hours, 30 minutes.

All shows will take place at the Carl J. Rondina Performing Arts Center at Chelmsford High School, 200 Richardson Road.

Ms. Maitland said audiences of all ages will be able to enjoy the performances, which will feature numerous hits from the pop supergroup ABBA.

“It’s music everyone can enjoy,” she said. “It will be high-energy, kind of like a rock concert.”

Tickets are $15 for students, $18 for seniors and $20 for general admission. Wheelchair accessible seating is available by emailing robertsonc@chelmsford.k12.ma.us.

To purchase tickets to “Mamma Mia!” visit https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/chelmsford-high-school.

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.