Matchmaker, matchmaker, as Chairo musical hits the stage
Chairo Christian School will unveil its musical production “Fiddler on the Roof” to family, friends and the wider community on Friday, August 19 and Saturday, August 20.
Almost 50 students from years seven to 12 have been busy rehearsing this classic musical since March. All are invited to see the show performed at The Balfour, the school’s theatre on Balfour Rd, Drouin.
Fiddler on the Roof will take audiences on a journey of humour, excitement, heartbreak, hardship and new beginnings. It is a story about finding love, joy, hope and faith in times of uncertainty, presented through the metaphor of a fiddler balancing on a roof, “trying to scratch out a pleasant simple tune without breaking his neck”.
Director Tessa Martin is glowing in her praise of the cast members.
“They are all so incredibly talented”, she said. “And they tell each dimension of the story with such power, respect and excitement.”
“This show has some wonderful song and dance numbers that the students have worked extremely hard to do justice to. I have loved seeing each student grow in confidence, and as a team, as we get closer to performance week,” Tessa added.
Rachael Board is the assistant choreographer and will also play the part of Fruma Sarah.
“Fiddler on the Roof is such a brilliant production,” Rachael said. “The gifted cast brings a level of support and quality that makes me want to be the best that I can.”
Cast members have learnt the importance of leaning into the people around them, and of leaning on God, to find comfort when times are tough.
Chelsea Smith, who will play Tzeitel, believes that “in a world that has changed so much and so quickly, the message of putting aside our pride and our biases and picking up love instead, is a very powerful one”.
The students involved have also discovered much about themselves and their abilities during rehearsals.
After the disappointment of not being able to perform last year’s middle school production “Once Upon a Mattress” for a live audience due to COVID restrictions, cast and crew are eagerly anticipating being able to bring the Fiddler story to life on stage.
Lovers of musical theatre are invited to laugh, cry and sing along with Tevye, Golde, Tzeitel, Hodel, Chava and all of the other wonderful characters when they take to the big stage.
Shows will be on Friday, August 19 at 7pm, and Saturday, August 20 at 1pm and 7pm.
Tickets are $28 for general, $24 for seniors and concession, and $90 for families of four.
For bookings, visit trybooking.com/CABBW