A talented cast and crew of Loomis Chaffee students last week brought to life an original musical by Melanie Guerin, the music director of winter shows in the Norris Ely Orchard (NEO) Theater.

Set in the future, The Burrow tells the story of a community of children living deep underground in a maze of earthen tunnels and dens, where they have been sheltering from war for years. The show, which ran February 18–21, was just the second staging of the new musical.

Directed by theater faculty member David McCamish, the play featured a cast of 21 students as well as student stage management and tech crews, and the pit orchestra included three student musicians along with local professionals. Melanie was music director and conductor for the production as well as the writer and composer. 

The Burrow’s moving story touches on themes of loss and resilience, isolation and community, and many other juxtaposed qualities, as David noted in the playbill. “As the children of this story shelter together underground, they remind us that hope is often forged in the darkest places and that, even in hiding, the human spirit and desire for knowledges reaches outward. …”

For the final show, a Saturday matinee, the Loomis Chaffee Parents Association hosted its annual Theater Luncheon with opportunities for parents and families to meet the cast and crew, enjoy lunch with the theater faculty, and attend the performance.

Watch a recording of Loomis Chaffee’s performance of The Burrow.