News

Chelmsford High School alum Lila Gordon returns to the stage, along with vocal director Peter Sepulveda, as cast and crew prepares for “Newsies”

CHELMSFORD, Massachusetts (November 13, 2026) – Next week, members of the Chelmsford High School Theatre Guild will be taking the stage in the Carl J. Rondina Performing Arts Center for their production of “Newsies.”

At the helm this year is someone who is incredibly familiar with that very stage. Lila Gordon, the new director of the Guild, performed in several shows while she was a student at Chelmsford High.

“I am excited to return to a position where I can give back to a community that gave so much to me and helped become one of the steppingstones along my own educational and professional journey,” she said.

With a lengthy resume working in various theater programs, Gordon is excited to bring her philosophy of collaboration, exploration and personal growth to Chelmsford High School.

“I want to help build a theater community that is safe, inclusive, respectful, and supportive – a place where students feel comfortable sharing their ideas, taking creative risks, and being themselves,” she said. “I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to come back and help continue building on that legacy.”

Joining Gordon is Peter Sepulveda, the Guild’s new vocal director who is also a new choir teacher at CHS.

Sepulveda has been teaching high school choir since 2015 in both Oregon and Indiana.

“At both high schools, I was the vocal director and often played or directed the pit as well,” he said. “My involvement with musical theatre began in high school where I played in the pit. Since then, I have enjoyed the teamwork with colleagues and seeing students grow and develop in the process of putting together a show.”

Originally from Maine, Sepulveda said he was hoping to find a job close to family in New England.

“Chelmsford Public Schools stood out as a district that values and supports the performing arts at all levels,” he said. “I appreciate the emphasis in providing performing arts opportunities to all students and have felt so welcomed and supported since the start of the year.”

While this year’s production was already selected before she came on board, Gordon said “Newsies” is a wonderful choice for a high school theater program.

“It gives students so many opportunities to grow artistically while also giving them a story that speaks directly to the power of young people’s voices,” she said. “If our students leave this production feeling more confident, more connected to one another, and more willing to use their voices, then we will have accomplished something far greater than simply putting on a successful musical.”

So far, Sepulveda has enjoyed every moment of working with the cast and crew on “Newsies.”

“The students at CHS have brought energy and enthusiasm to every rehearsal,” he said. “It is clear this is something they love and I am honored to work with such hard working and talented individuals.”

Sepulveda, whose favorite musical is “In The Heights,” said he is looking forward to live audiences getting to see the talent and dedication of the cast and crew.

“I believe excellent productions are a team effort and always expect that students take care of, support, and uplift each other through the long rehearsals and sometimes stressful process,” he said. “I appreciate all the support of the families and community that make these shows possible and am excited to see the culmination of all the dedication and hard work everyone has contributed.”

While it may only be her first year in the director’s chair, Gordon said she is eager to build a program that balances artistic excellence with meaningful educational experiences.

“My biggest expectation, and honestly my biggest hope, is that my team and I can work together to create a safe, happy, and supportive place for students to be,” she said. “At the end of the season, I want every student to be able to look back and identify their own sense of personal success.”

The CHS Theatre Guild is currently still seeking someone to replace Craig Robinson as technical director but has been leaning on the help of volunteers for this year’s production.

The CHS Theatre Guild’s production of “Newsies” opens next Thursday, Nov. 19.

There will be four opportunities to catch the show, with 7 p.m. performances Nov. 19-21, as well as a matinee on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

Tickets are sold online and at the door; all performances take place in the Carl J. Rondina Performing Arts Center at 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.