“Without our traditions, our lives would be as shaky as a fiddler on the roof.” The metaphor of a fiddler on the roof and teetering on that edge, represents the safety of tradition and the danger of breaking it!
The Hartland High School Drama Club will be performing the beloved musical “Fiddler on the Roof, Friday through Sunday during the weekends of April 21-23 and April 28-30. The performances will be at the Hartland High School auditorium, 10635 Dunham Road in Hartland. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
“Fiddler on the Roof,” winner of nine Tony Awards when it debuted in 1964, is the brainchild of Broadway legends, Jerome Robbins and Harold Prince; songwriters, Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harrick; and book writer, Joseph Stein. Touching audiences worldwide with its humor, warmth, and honesty, this universal show is a staple of musical theatre.
The show features a star turn in Tevye, who is among the most memorable roles in musical theatre. Along with iconic and beloved songs such as “Sunrise, Sunset”, ”If I were a Rich Man” and “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” “Fiddler on the Roof” is the perfect mix of audience-pleasing humor and heart.
Set in the little village of Anatevka, the story centers on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill them with traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia. Rich in historical and ethnic detail, Fiddler on the Roof’s universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality, and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy, and sadness. While it may seem that tradition is the main theme of this musical, in most of the story, love ultimately triumphs.
According to Artistic Director Scott Usher, “Fiddler on the Roof” is a story about acceptance.
“It is about accepting and respecting your traditions, but also accepting who you are,” Usher said. “It demonstrates the balance we try to build between our traditions and our individual wants and desires. Watching this story of oppression unfold evokes compassion and empathy from the audience, as well as a deeper understanding of what the world looks like when we are not accepting of others.”
HHS senior Tommy Persons, who plays the role of Tevye and is the Hartland Drama Club Treasurer and ITS Historian, agrees.
“This show has great potential for humor, spectacle, and fun,” Persons said. “The reason why it’s an incredible show, however, is because the raw moments shown throughout are applicable to anyone, regardless of language, culture, or age.”
Continuing Hartland Drama Club’s tradition of excellence, Fiddler on the Roof showcases entertaining dances, choreographed by Karen Whittaker; spectacular vocals, guided by HHS Director of Choirs Bailey Tallman; and an impressive orchestra pit, rehearsed by HHS Director of Bands Brad Laibly and conducted by Tallman.
Tickets are available online at www.hartlanddramaclub.org and at the door. Individual tickets purchased in advance are $16 for adults and $14 for students, children, and seniors. Tickets purchased at the door are $18 for adults and $16 for students, children, and seniors. Group rates are also available.
For more information, contact Scott Usher at (810) 626-2360 or via e-mail at scottusher@hartlandschools.us.
“Fiddler on the Roof” case includes: Tommy Persons as Tevye; Makenna Usher as Golde; Carmen Pushman as Tzeitel; Skye Schlueter as Motel; Jadyn Savage as Hodel; Sean Haaseth as Perchik; Ryleigh Harris as Chava; Therin Preiss as Fyedka; Samantha Landacre as Shprintze; Olivia Kolke as Bielke; Sienna Dietze (student director) as Yente; Felix Sleeman as Lazar Wolf; Nick Cippola as Constable; Bridget Bills as Rabbi; Preston Dixon as Mendel; Ella Falkenhagen as Mordcha; Dominic Hoskins as Avram; Makenna Kern as Grandma Tzeitel; Sarah Wright as Fruma-Sarah; Ethan Perkins as Nachum; Alayna Miller as Yussel; Gemma Jaworski as Shandel; Jimmie Wirt as Sasha; James Dusseau as Boris; Aubrey Glowacki as Fiddler; Christian Primm as Russian Tenor; Allison Ehlfeldt as First Woman; Bria Mayer as Second Woman, and other members of Hartland Drama Club in the talented ensemble.
