by Jen Oemig
CHELMSFORD – 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.
