The story takes place in the early 1900s and is told
from the perspective of a married couple, Tevye and Golde and their
five daughters, as they face conflicts trying to keep their faith
and cultural traditions alive in a swiftly changing world.
Musical Director Kim Peterson-Quinn said, “Fiddler on the Roof is an
American classic musical. It is the timeless story of families
trying to negotiate changing customs while hanging on to important
family traditions. At its core, it is also about love and what we
are willing to accept for the sake of those closest to us. This show
is full of memorable music that will keep you humming long after you
have left the theater. The LCHS cast, orchestra and crew does not
disappoint. It is a definite ‘must see.’”
As the cast said, “Tevye’s family, along with the colorful
characters of their home village Anatevka, have traditions for
everything. But when Tevye’s daughters begin to approach the idea of
marriage, they begin to question these old ways of life.”
The show’s lead role, Tevye, is portrayed by Jack
Graue. His wife Golde is portrayed by Makenna Frank, and they are
supported by a talented ensemble.
Graue, a senior, has been in several productions over the past few
years, and said Fiddler is a timeless classic because the story is
about the struggle between old and new ways, which everyone
struggles with, especially parents. Graue said many will relate to
Tevye asking God, “Why do these things happen.” It is scary having
to face what you don’t know, which is exactly what Tevye does.
Frank, a junior, is also a LCHS stage veteran, and
says the songs are fun and the cast is great to work with and
supportive of one another.
Playing their five daughters are seniors Kacey
Bennett, Madeline Steiner and Aleaya Turley; junior Sarah Starasta
and sophomore Grace Mathon, all of whom have been in other
productions during their high school years.
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Bennett plays the role of Chava, who marries a man
her parents do not choose for her, causing a rift between her and
the family. Bennett said she finds the time period, setting and
characters fascinating and is excited to be a part of the cast.
Steiner plays Hodel and said she has heard the songs over the years
and is excited to be part of a serious show with funny moments.
Steiner said going against their traditions and marrying for love
makes the story interesting.
Turley plays the role of Tzeitel and said Fiddler is timeless
because of it being about tradition and family and bringing people
together. Turley said the cast has become like family.
Starasta plays Bielke and likes the story, feeling it is important
because so often groups have been hated and treated as lesser than
others. She said the story helps highlight the lives of those in
hardship. Starasta also has ancestors from that same area of Russia.
Mathon plays Shprintze and said it is a good story about family and
community supporting one another in times of need.
In other supporting roles are seniors and stage veterans Laura
Centers, Abigail Bishop and Austin Garriott.
Centers plays Yenta, the matchmaker and likes the story because it
teaches everyone to take advantage of life and not take it for
granted.
Bishop plays Fruma-Sarah who appears to Tevye in a dream. Bishop
likes getting to scream and said she is not generally a loud person,
so screaming is out of character for her.
Garriott plays Perchik, who marries Hodel and said the character of
Perchik fits his voice and personality well.
Assisting Peterson-Quinn with the show are Mr. Tim Searby, Ms. Cari
Wilmert, and Mr. Anthony Brummet.
As the cast practiced, their energy and enjoyment were evident. Some
said it is hard work but worth it in the end.
Come see the talented cast perform May 9-12 in this must see
Broadway classic that is full of both serious and funny moments.
Fiddler on the roof
LCHS Auditorium
May 9, 10 and 11 at 7 p.m.
May 12 at 2 p.m.
[Angela Reiners with photos by Mitch Douglas] |