CHS students wish they could do <em>Fiddler on the Roof</em> all over again
Nathan Buck as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof.
Photo by Viktor Karklins.
The crowd was thoroughly appreciative as CHS students told the story of Tevye the dairyman (Nathan Buck) as he and his wife, Golde (Laura Peters), try to marry off their three oldest daughters, Tzietel (Megan Plant), Hodel (Sancia Friesen), and Chava (Anna Bigland-Pritchard), according to the traditions of their Jewish heritage in late-19th-century Czarist Russia.
Buck was the jewel of the production—he brought a young, fresh interpretation to the role of Tevye along with a satisfying amount of humour. His impish rendition of "If I Were a Rich Man" was the highlight of the evening with audience members laughing out loud all the way through.
"Hear our Sabbath Prayer" was another musical highlight—beautiful, haunting harmonies made it a powerful tribute to Fiddler's much-loved history.
Jonathan Loper was perhaps the best casting decision in the role of Motel—his squinting brown eyes, earnest demeanour, and soft voice portrayed perfectly the essence of the shy young tailor who captures Tzeitel's heart.
Plant was especially convincing in the role of Tzeitel. Audience members felt the urgency of a terrified young woman as she tearfully begged her father to be released from the burden of an arranged marriage.
Buck and Peters' sweet duet, "Do You Love Me," lit up the second act with a touching display of love that's survived the years. It was especially memorable placed against the backdrop of the new love of their daughters.
The students' efforts combined with the skilful direction of Heather Peters and David Frostad and a particularly strong script and musical repertoire made the finished product impressive—particularly in light of the fact that production began just two months ago.
"The CHS performance of Fiddler on the Roof was an incredible experience for both students and audience," said Frostad. "In spite of all the hard work, the students are wishing they could do it all over again."