Fiddler on the Roof

Carina Glasser
Staff Writer

The auditorium will be a buzz this April when the Mira Costa drama department opens its
spring musical, Fiddler on the Roof.

Fiddler on the Roof centers on a Jewish community in Tsarist Russia in 1905. The story is
told by Tevye, the main character, who is witnessing the change of traditional values in his
family.

“The change take place in Tevye’s own family, as his daughters marry in less and less
traditional ways, and in his village as the Jews are forced to move out of their town by Russian
pogroms,” junior Ron Yadin, playing Tevye, said.

The play revolves around the tradition of marriage in the Jewish community. Tevye’s
daughters are not interested in seeing the town matchmaker to find a spouse, but in finding love
on their own.

“It focuses on Jewish culture and provides a window into a world many aren’t familiar
with,” senior Eli Rivas said.

On the first day of auditions, about 70 students were required to choose a song from a
packet of one minute cuts from songs in the show such as “Sunrise, Sunset,” “The Rumor,” and
“Far From the Home I Love.”

“There was a separate audition packet for girls and boys. Most of the girls chose to sing
“Far From the Home I Love” for their audition,” senior Kendall Busby said.

The next day, everyone learned a dance routine, and after practicing it a few times, they
performed the routine in groups of six for the directors.

On Wednesday, a callback list was posted on the drama room door and students who were
called back were required to sing and read different cuts so the directors could compare who to
pick for lead roles. The final cast list of about 40 students was posted that Friday.

The lead roles are played by sophomores Danielle Kay, Gabby Wolf, juniors Ron Yadin,
Molly Curtis, and seniors Delphi Borich, Kendall Busby, Eli Rivas, Duncan Gregory and Dylan
Colbert.

“When I saw my name on the list I realized that I was given the opportunity to be a part
of something that has the potential to be remembered in the Mira Costa drama department for a
long time,” senior Dylan Colbert said.

The cast rehearses five times during the week to practice their lines, singing,
choreography and staging.

“I’m extremely excited for the show because of the level of preparation our cast and crew
has been displaying and the extremely solid talent level in the production,” Rivas said.

Not only is the cast laboring to perfect the show, but the pit orchestra, with Mark
McCormick conducting, is also working hard to prepare the music. The group of musicians, who
were selected by Mr. McCormick after applying to participate in the show, meets every
Wednesday night and occasionally on Saturday mornings for rehearsal.

“It’s such a great experience to work with a select few of really good musicians and to
know that the music we put together is an integral part of the success of a musical. Playing under
Mr. McCormick is a blast and so far has been a great experience. I can’t wait for our final
performances,” senior Darren Draper, clarinet player, said.

Fiddler incorporates Jewish folk music through both string and woodwind instruments,
including mandolin and accordion.

“I’ve never played accordion before, but it’s fun learning. I like the challenge of learning a
new instrument,” junior Brian Zukotynski said.

Fiddler on the Roof is different from previous Costa spring musicals. While others like
All Shook Up and the Wiz are contemporary musicals, Fiddler on the Roof is a classic.

“Fiddler is different because for the first time in a long time, Ms. Mathews is directing a
show that is part of the classical musical theatre canon. It’s giving all of us students a new
perspective in a non-contemporary type of theatre, and we’re learning a lot from it,” senior
Delphi Borich, playing Hodel, said.

From the buzz around the auditorium, Fiddler on the Roof is a play that nobody will want
to miss. The cast and crew are excited to prepare this classic which opens on April 20 in the Mira
Costa auditorium.

“Ecstatic doesn’t even begin to describe my excitement! We are working so hard to make
this one of Costa’s best shows and we are having such a blast doing it. I am excited to show off
our hard work, transport our audience with a great story, but most of all, leave them going home
thinking about the message that Fiddler gives, hopefully, with a new favorite musical!” Yadin
said.