by Chris O’Donnell

CHELMSFORD – Erin Maitland, recently named the Theatre Director at Chelmsford High School, had a particular musical in mind for this fall.

The students of the CHS Theatre Guild had a different musical. They pled their case to Ms. Maitland and won her over.

The Theatre Guild will stage a musical production of “Mamma Mia” Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 16-18, at the Carl J. Rondina Performing Arts Center.

Auditions are scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 5 and Wednesday, Sept. 6 with callbacks slated for Friday, Sept. 8. Rehearsals are scheduled for Monday-Wednesday from 5-8:30 p.m. beginning Monday, Sept. 11.

“We had a good conversation about what they were looking for and they made a great case,” Ms. Maitland said. “(Mamma Mia) is such a fun show and an opportunity for everyone to engage. It’s appropriate for adults, students and families and doesn’t exclude anyone, which I like.”

The selection of “Mamma Mia” for the fall musical was emblematic of the culture Ms. Maitland wants to maintain in the theatre community at CHS: open, inclusive, and conversational.

“It was important for me to listen to them,” Ms. Maitland said. “I was very much wanting to hear their ideas. I’m aware that I have the final decision, but I’m a collaborator. And the students are part of the collaboration.

“I like the theme and values (of Mamma Mia), that family comes in different shapes and sizes,” she added. “It’s a big undertaking. I like the idea that many people can come at these roles.”

The CHS Theatre Guild will host an open house Wednesday, Aug. 30 from 6-9 p.m. at the Carl J. Rondina Performing Arts Center for students and families to discover how they can be involved. On hand will be members of the Theatre Guild, who will present an audition workshop covering various elements of the audition process including how it works – from the performance to technical side – and selecting a song or skit.

For more information on the open house, contact Ms. Maitland at maitlande@chelmsford.k12.ma.us.