By Alexa Overington

Westford Academy Theater Arts presents The Hairy Ape by Eugene O’Neill. The story follows Yank, a man whose life has been defined by his work in the stokehole of a ship.  While confident and in charge, Yank’s core is shaken by an encounter with a visitor to the ship’s depths.  Questioning where he belongs, Yank sets out to find his place in the world. His travels lead him through the streets of New York, as he tries to discover his place in society.  Will Yank find his way to a new life?  Will he return to the ship?  Or, is belonging an elusive ideal?
Westford Academy Theater Arts brings The Hairy Ape to the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild (METG) competition. The annual state high school drama competition takes place in three rounds with preliminaries on March 3, semi-finals on March 10 and finals over three days, March 22 – 24.  The public is welcome to attend any of the events.  Details on the participating schools and competition locations can be found at metg.org. Westford Academy acts as a host site for the semi-final round.  With over 120 schools competing, Westford Academy is honored to have made the finals competition 5 out of the last 6 years and earned the winner recognition 3 out of the last 4 years.  The METG events provide outstanding theatre and are a celebration of art in our community.
The Hairy Ape opens at the Westford Academy Performing Arts Center on Thursday, March 1 at 8:00 with a second performance on Thursday, March 8.  Tickets will be sold at the door: $10.00 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.

Directed by: Michael Towers
Assistant Director: Kelly Champine
Stage Manger: Peter Cialli

Principle Actors
Yank: Will Clark, grade 12
Long: Chris Kandra, grade 12
Paddy: Dylan McCusker, grade 12
Mildred: Michaela Burke, grade 12
Aunt: Megan Bell, grade 11
Second Engineer: Matt Higgins, grade 11
Fourth Engineer: Zack Dictakis, grade 11
Secretary: JC Davis, grade 12