By Sydney Carroll
John Prignano, CEO of Music Theatre International has been quoted as saying that the iconic musical Fiddler on the Roof has been performed somewhere in the world every single day since its Broadway debut. April 14, 15, and 16 will be BGA’s turn to carry on the tradition of sharing this story with the world.
Fiddler on the Roof, set in the late-19th century Russian Jewish countryside, tells the story of a community on the precipice of change. Tevye (Sammy Tarkington), an impoverished milkman works, struggles, and tries to provide for his wife Golde (Zoe Smitherman) and their 5 daughters (Kairi Martin, Anna Pile, Mia Hawkersmith, Kelsy Parker, Charlotte Slater). As widespread oppression and pogroms overtake surrounding communities, Tevye and the village of Anatevka hold onto each other and their heritage as a war on the Jewish people threatens to tear them apart. Their cultural norms also continue to be challenged within the village as Tevye’s daughters attempt to subvert society and find modern love, leaving Tevye to upend the very thing he’s trying to preserve: tradition.
BGA’s production features an outstanding cast performing high-energy dance numbers, moving songs, and telling a story that seamlessly blends joy with true heartache and sorrow. The cast and crew are equally excited about bringing this musical to the BGA stage. Heading up the production is Director Jenny Wallace. “I can still remember the feeling I had watching the movie version of Fiddler on the Roof as a young girl…so many days spent dancing and singing “Matchmaker” in my bedroom,” recalls Wallace. “I have been involved with several professional productions of the show, and it has always held one of the top spots on my ‘One Day I’ll Direct This’ list. I think the timelessness of the story, as well as the comforting, familiar music are what make Fiddler a favorite for so many people. No matter what ‘season’ of life you are in, you can relate to at least one of the characters in the play. We had a wonderful time working on this production and are excited to re-introduce it to a whole new audience!”
“Between our wonderful director, choreographer, and set designer, the magic of the performance already feels like it’s come together, ” says senior Jackson Rowley (Lazar Wolf). The cast has been hard at work since early January learning choreography, music, and perfecting their acting. The result has been a show that will be special for both the audience and those onstage. Junior Claire Coco (Shaindel) explained, “The fun that we have with the show will be contagious when we’re on stage.” The cast has already become like a family backstage, with freshman Alison Zierden (Villager) claiming, “For my first year doing this, it’s really been a fun and loving environment to join.”
April 14, 15, and 16 are sure to be nights you won’t want to miss! In the words of junior Will Locke (Motel), “Fiddler is such a moving story with both heartwarming romance and tragic despair. Our incredible cast is going to put on a phenomenal show. I cannot wait to see the lights come up on our cast in April!” Make sure to stay tuned for information and behind-the-scenes by following @bga_us_theatre on Instagram for everything you need to know. L’Chaim!
Tickets can be purchased at https://www.battlegroundacademy.org/arts/upcoming-events/drama
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