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.
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.
Hartland High School freshman Ryleigh Harris makes her high school theater debut in “Fiddler on the Roof” as Chava, the third oldest daughter of Tevye. Ryleigh works on expanding her acting range by taking on a more emotional and dramatic role in contrast to the comedic roles she is used to portraying.
While she is also involved in the French Club and Pom team outside of Hartland Drama club, she is glad she got involved in the arts program and enjoys being able to strengthen her relationships with her cast members.
We asked Ryleigh to reflect on her experience with this heartbreaking musical:
Does this show’s universal message of tradition resonate with you? If so, how and why?
Yes, I admire tradition. However, just as Chava struggles with some of the rules of tradition throughout the show, I recognize that traditions should be reevaluated to ensure that they are beneficial for the groups that value them.
How would you describe the hardships your character goes through? What have you learned from exploring these hardships within your character?
Chava is forced to choose between her past/family and her future/husband, both that she loves very much. I’ve previously played a more silly or sassy character, so it’s been a fun challenge to play a more emotional and dramatic role.
What do you hope audiences will take away from this production?
Follow your heart even if it’s difficult.
What is your theatre background? Did you get involved as a child, or is it more of a recent pursuit?
I love theater and have been involved since I was in 3rd grade. I’ve done many plays through the Encore and Prelude theatre groups.
What will you remember most about your experience with this show?
Getting to work with all the amazingly talented upperclassmen.
Why should folks come to see this production?
They should come to see it to experience a great classic story told by really talented young actors
