Rehearsal for Fiddler on the Roof
The GPS/McCallie production of Fiddler on the Roof comes to GPS Frierson Theatre April 12-14.
Review for Fiddler on the Roof:
Winner of nine Tony Awards when it debuted in 1964 and based on the beloved short stories series of Tevye and his daughters (e.g. Tevye the Dairyman) by Sholem Aleichem, Fiddler on the Roof is the brainchild of Broadway legends Jerome Robbins and Harold Prince, songwriters Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, and book writer Joseph Stein. Moving audiences worldwide with its memorable music and moving dialogue, this universal show features a wonderful mix of humor, heart, and human nature.
Set in the little village of Anatevka, Ukraine, 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 girls and instill in them traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Tsarist Russia. Rich in historical and ethnic detail, Fiddler on the Roof's universal theme of tradition cuts across lines of race, class, nationality, and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy, and sadness.
Casting for the show required a week of auditions that included singing, dancing, and reading of scenes. GPS drama teacher Mark Krawczyk will direct, and GPS director of choirs Mike Lees will direct the music. Jessica McCuiston and Brenda Schwab, who both worked on Mary Poppins last year, return to choreograph and design costumes, respectively. Alex Miller Long will direct lighting, and professional musicians will bring the score to life. GPS’s modern dance troupe, Terpsichord, will provide additional dancers in a scene. Cathie Kasch, GPS Performing Arts Coordinator, will oversee production.
Mr. Krawczyk joined the GPS faculty this fall; this will be his third production with GPS/McCallie students. “It wasn’t easy to cast the show because we were auditioning students—some I hadn’t seen before—with a wide range of vocal and acting talents,” he says, so he depended on Mr. Lees to provide helpful insight. “The students were so good, it took time to determine the roles they were best suited for, so that’s why the process took a week.”
Playing the role of Tevye is McCallie senior Kevin Collins, and his wife, Golde, is played by GPS senior Abi Wilson. The three eldest daughters will be played by GPS seniors Maya Bhutwala (Tzeitel) and Olivia Combs (Hodel) and freshman Sarah Kalla (Chava). Playing the daughters’ love interests are McCallie juniors Reece Wearing (Motel) and Carson McDaniel (Fyedka) and senior Patrick Warren (Perchik). Lazar Wolf, Tzeitel’s intended betrothed, is played by junior Nate Dallimore. Senior Carmen Resnik will play Fruma-Sarah.
With iconic and beloved songs such as “Sunrise, Sunset,” “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” Fiddler on the Roof is a rich and unforgettable experience that will leave you shouting “L’chaim!”
Tickets will go on sale Monday and may be purchased at GPS.edu/Fiddler. Showtimes are Friday, April 12, 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 13, 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 14, 2 p.m.
Rehearsal for Fiddler on the Roof