Maurice (Alex Kurth, seated) encounters the Beast (Hadi Al Dayaa, right), as Lumiere (Adam Pinto) and Cogsworth (Armaan McCarthy) try to hide in the background.
by Jen Oemig
CHELMSFORD – Members of the Chelmsford High School Theatre Guild are inviting the community to “be their guest” when they take the stage this weekend for four performances of “Beauty and the Beast.”
The cast and crew have been hard at work the past few months preparing for opening night.
Senior Hadi Al Dayaa, who will be playing the Beast, said he has had a wonderful experience working on this production.
“I’ve really enjoyed this cast,” he said. “And Erica (Lundin) is one of the best directors I’ve ever had. … She’s very professional. I really like working with her.”
As for being cast in a lead role for “Beauty and the Beast,” Al Dayaa said he feels very fortunate.
“I‘ve had a lot of fun watching my castmates progress and taking inspiration from them to try to progress my role in order to grow the show,” he said. “I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to be a lead knowing that the amount of work I put in will help elevate everyone else’s success in the show.”
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Senior Jocelyn Pica, who plays Mrs. Potts, said she, too, is incredibly grateful to be part of this year’s production.
“It’s just so nostalgic,” she said. “I grew up watching ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and fell in love with it because I love books. Being able to do this as my senior show, it feels like everything is coming full circle and I feel like I’m healing my inner child.”
As opening night approaches, Pica said her excitement is growing.
“I have a bunch of friends and family coming, so I’m looking forward to them seeing how much hard work we’ve put into this beautiful show,” she said. “It’s going to be an incredible experience.”
Senior Ben Grant, who portrays Gaston, said the cast and crew has become like a family throughout the process of preparing for the show.
“It’s nice to be surrounded by such talented people who are a positive influence,” he said, adding that he’s looking forward to this weekend’s performances. “I’m looking forward to seeing the house completely filled and everyone being fully immersed in the show.”
Sophomore Alex Kurth, who is playing Maurice, said he’s been doing theatre a long time and has always loved the music from “Beauty and the Beast.”
(left to right) Adam Pinto (Lumiere), Armaan McCarthy (Cogsworth), Jocelyn Pica (Mrs. Potts), Liam O’Neill (Chip), Madelyn Meehan (Babette) and Alex Kurth (Maurice).
“Every single individual person has done so much with their character,” he said. “And, every song, everyone gives so much energy.”
Cogsworth will be played by junior Armaan McCarthy, who said he put in a lot of effort preparing for the role.
“I’ve definitely looked back at both the animated movie and the live-action movie just to see how other actors came about the role,” he said. “I also watched a bunch of bootlegs on YouTube just to see how different people portray the role. But I feel like I’m bringing something different to the role and making it my own.”
McCarthy said he has been singing since he was 4 years old, and also starred as Daddy Warbucks in “Annie” when he was in fourth grade.
“I really wanted Cogsworth,” he said. “That’s the role I was going for, so I’m very grateful and appreciative that I was cast in that role.”
Lily Rogers portrays Belle in a scene from “Beauty and the Beast” during dress rehearsal.
Senior Madelyn Meehan, who plays Babette, also serves as the assistant choreographer.
“When they announced the show, it was a no-brainer that I was going to do it,” she said. “It’s so much fun. I love doing all the dances and being with all these people. … We’re just such a close, tight-knit cast.”
Of course, there’s a lot of work that takes place behind the scenes, as well.
Elizabeth Kelliher, a senior who serves as the student technical director, said she has enjoyed watching the show come to life in the auditorium.
“The build days are really where we get to see the magic happen and the set come to life,” she said.
Junior Shyla Aggarwal, assistant master carpenter, said although it’s a lot of work building the sets for productions like this one, it’s incredibly fulfilling come opening night.
“We have two and a half months of hard work, and it’s a very slow process,” she said, noting that a lot of time is spent planning. “To see it come to life is one of the most rewarding things.”
Show Information
WHAT: CHS Theatre Guild presents “Beauty and the Beast”
WHEN: Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 21-23, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 23, at 1 p.m.
WHERE: Carl J. Rondina Performing Arts Center at Chelmsford High School, 200 Richardson Road.
COST: General Admission: $20; 18-and-Under/Senior Citizens: $15; to purchase tickets, visit https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/chelmsford-high-school/6669ee6d5d20951a3e87e5fa or pay at the door.
RUN TIME: 2 hours and 30 minutes, with a one 15-minute intermission.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This show is fun for the whole family. Following the Saturday matinee performance, there will be a unique opportunity to meet and greet with Belle and other characters. The venue offers accessible parking, is wheelchair accessible and offers wheelchair accessible seating. This show has haze/fog effects, as well as strobe lights.
