TLTC to present Fiddler on the Roof

by Michelle Bergstrom

oing for a fourth smash hit, the Three Lakes Theater Company (TLTC) recently selected the musical comedy Fiddler on the Roof as its next production. The play will be presented in the Three Lakes School Auditorium four consecutive nights, June 10 through 13. 

Based on a book by Joseph Stein, the action of the play is centered around a Russian dairyman and his five daughters in 1905, just before the Russian Revolution.  Famous songs to which the audience can expect to tap feet are "If I were a Rich Man," "Sunrise, Sunset," "Matchmaker," and "Tradition." 

"We're just excited about this play as we were all the others," said creative director Mari Lynn Garbowicz.  Garbowicz, a special education teacher in the Three Lakes School District, has earned a reputation for bringing out the best in local talent.  She guided three other troupes through Peter Pan, Oklahoma!, and Cinderella. All the family-oriented plays drew lavish praise and sell-out crowds. 

"We decided to extend this play one more night to give everyone a chance to see it.  Last year we had to turn people away at each performance because all seats were sold out.  That's a huge testimony to community support!" smiled Garbowicz.  

"It also speaks volumes for the talent and dedication of the cast and crew.  Frankly, we're looking forward very much to seeing what talent, old and new, comes forth to be part of this play.  

There are 40 roles to be filled, which include some for children," Garbowicz noted.  "We encourage anyone who feels he or she can contribute musically and dramatically to try out. It's a big commitment, but it's worth every minute of sacrifice, especially when the audience leaps to its feet, cheering and whistling.  Can't beat that!"

THE STORYLINE

Fiddler on the Roof takes place in Anatevka, an impoverished peasant village in czarist Russia, populated largely by hard-working Jewish families. The time is 1905.  Tevye, the dairyman, explains to audience members that everyone's lives are governed by "Tradition."

Thus begins the story of Tevye, his wife Golde, his five daughter and a community full of interesting characters.  Soon the age-old traditions are challenged--and great changes take place.  Tevye's oldest daughter, Tzeitel, vows to marry her childhood friend, Motel, despite the fact that Tevye has arranged for her to marry Lazar Wolf, the butcher.

Hodel, Tevye's second oldest daughter, falls in love with Perchik, a young student from Kiev.  When Perchik is arrested and sent to Siberia, Hodel leaves her family to be with the man she loves.

In the meantime, Chava, Tevye's third daughter, has broken Jewish tradition more severely than either of her sisters by falling in love with a young Gentile named Fyedka.  This Tevye cannot reconcile and, although it breaks his heart, he banishes Chava from the family forever.

Soon the safe, comfortable community of Anatevka is shattered by the news that all Jews must leave--or be forced from their homes.  Tevye and his family pack their meager belongings on the milk cart and start on their long journey to a new and different life in America as the curtain falls.

Page last updated on 06/04/2008