Chinook presents classic musical
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF BEGINS TUESDAY
Chinook High School theatre students will bring an iconic Broadway musical dealing with themes of tradition versus social change to light that are still relevant in today’s modern society.
Fiddler On The Roof, set in the early 1900s revolves around the fictional Jewish settlement of Anatevka, in southwestern Russia. The other themes are persecution, prejudice, and love.
It follows the story of Tevye, and his five daughters. Slowly each of his daughters find a husband, and each of those husbands challenge a piece of Tevye’s faith.
The current production is presented by the Music Theatre Studies class at Chinook and features 62 students.
The class is taught by director David Mikuliak, and intern teacher and codirector Tony Zappone.
Zappone said that Chinook is one of two programs in Alberta who offers the class that goes towards high school credit, if students want to pursue acting in the future in university.
“There is a handful of students in the class that want to pursue a career in theatre,” said Zappone. “A lot are seriously considering taking that path, so this is very good preparation for that.”
He adds that Fiddler On The Roof was chosen due to having a large cast which gives everyone the opportunity to have a role in it.
“It’s a challenging musical, and with this class that has a very bright and talented group of kids, we are always trying to raise the bar,” said Zappone.
The class is intended to guide students through project research; audition processes; casting; rehearsal scheduling; theatrical design; and character study/development.
Grade 12 student, Regan Landin, has been involved in theatre for a number of years, and felt that through this experience with the musical she has found her voice.
Landin feels that she wouldn’t be as comfortable being who she is if it weren’t for theatre.
“This gives me the opportunity to be who I am, no matter what, without any judgement,” said Landin.
With Landin’s role as Tzeitel, she thinks the musical is a very traditional piece, and relevant to today’s current events to what’s going on.
“There’s so much change that’s going on with individuality, and being who you want to be instead of listening to all the expectancies of a person.”
She hopes to pursue acting after high school, as she feels best when on stage.
“I like being able to give the audience a type of feeling that I feel when I watch someone else perform,” said Landin. “Giving them that vulnerability of myself, and pouring my heart out to the audience, feeling that accomplishment at the end is so rewarding.”
Sean Williams, also a Grade 12 student, said he has also been involved in theatre for a few years, and got into theatre because he wanted to develop more ability on stage, musically, and with acting.
He enjoyed tapping into his role of Tevye, and felt that Tevye was one of those characters that he finds in himself.
“I think it’s really universal for theatre but you’re able to really develop empathy for others because you have to have these experiences, and learn how to be someone else,” said Williams.
He adds that he would be happy if the audience was able to take away the general message of Fiddler On The Roof. The struggle between individuality and tradition, and that breaking those traditions is what is relevant in the world, and what they want to point out to their audience.
Opening night is Tuesday at 7 p.m. and will run until Saturday. Tickets are available for purchase at Chinook High School, online at lethbridge.schoolcashonline.com, or at
the door on opening night.