Hempfield High School recently staged a magnificent production of the timeless musical “Fiddler on the Roof.” The musical brought together romantic and family drama themes, along with powerful messages of prejudice and tradition. The story is set in a small Jewish village in Russia in 1905 and is based on the stories of “Tevye and his Daughters” by Sholem Aleichem.
The plot revolves around Tevye, a Jewish peasant with traditional values, who is facing a tough decision of whether to marry off his three daughters with modern romantic ideals, all while growing anti-Semitic sentiment threatens his village. The musical is known for its iconic songs such as “Sunrise, Sunset,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” and “Matchmaker, Matchmaker.”
The original Broadway production of “Fiddler on the Roof” opened in 1964 and won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Score, and Book. In 1971, Norman Jewison directed a film adaptation of the musical starring Paul Mann and Leonard Frey.
The Hempfield High School production of “Fiddler on the Roof” was a huge success and received positive feedback from the audience. The performance spanned over three days, including Thursday, Friday, Saturday night, and a Sunday matinee. The total attendance was approximately 3,750 people, and with seats ranging from $10-$12, the school brought in a satisfactory amount of revenue.
Special recognition is due to the Musical Director and Piano player, Mr. Alejondro Ramos, Music Director Asher Johnson, and Assistant Director & Choreographer Jordyn Johnson, who worked tirelessly to make the musical a triumph. The cast also merits a mention, with Wilder Long (Tevye), Julia Bono (Yente), David Becker (Motel), Ethan Frick (The Fiddler), Simeon Vieland (The Rabbi), and Jonathan O’Maille (Perchik) putting on an outstanding performance. The stage crew members, including Natalie Franck (Deck Stage Manager), Lily Strange and Alexis Swantner (Spot Lights), Emily Machado and Mazzy Seedorf (Assistant Deck Stage Managers), and Abigail Ciarrocchi (Properties Manager), played a significant role in the success of the production. The rest of the Stage Crew members and Production Team also deserve recognition for their efforts in creating this wonderful musical.
The production served as a reminder of the timeless appeal of this classic musical that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. It’s a testament to the hard work of the students, teachers, and staff at Hempfield High School who put in countless hours of rehearsal and preparation to bring this musical to life. Overall, it was a night to remember for everyone who attended the show and a true testament to the power of the performing arts.
