This year for the fall musical, the Bedford High School Theatre Company is putting on the 9-time Tony-award winning classic– Fiddler on the Roof, written by playwright Joseph Stein. The musical takes place in the village of Anatevka, a small community in Russia. It centers around Tevye, played by senior Rylan Lewandowski, a poor milkman with 5 daughters living in a tight-knit Jewish community. Tevye wants his daughters’ marriages to be arranged, but they have other plans for their love lives. The story is also set against the backdrop of the early 1900s, meaning that everyone in the village has to deal with the various dangers of pre-World War II Russia. Rich in history, Fiddler on the Roof‘s universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality, and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy and sadness. These traditions (you’ll get this once you see the show!) have been the reason this musical has endured the test of time. Half a century, actually.
Fiddler on the Roof also boasts classic hits that have appeared off the theatre stage such as “If I Were A Rich Man” and “Sunrise, Sunset.”
It’s a show that sends a message.
The cast of the show includes students from all four grades. Several freshmen joined the theatre company this year, but they are not the only newcomers. Evan Czyzowski is joining as director this year. Mr. Czyzowski is a Humanities teacher new to BHS, but fortunately, he is not new to directing.
I interviewed with Taylor Capello, a sophomore, about her experience in the musical. She plays the part of a villager. When asked about what the show has taught her she responded, “Mr.C [director] had a few people come in to teach us about Jewish traditions. I learned a bit about Judaism. It’s pretty interesting to see what some people live by, in the time period of the show and now!” Taylor also explained her favorite character, Yente, “she’s the matchmaker. She’s this….older, widowed woman and the comedic relief of the show.”
Taylor ended by explaining why you should see the fall musical this year and what exactly makes this show so special, “Everyone works really hard on the musicals every year, but this is one of the more serious ones we’ve done. People can relate no matter their age or background. “It’s a show that sends a message… it’s not like any show we’ve done since I’ve been here. Also, it’s got a great main cast and really catchy songs!”
Buy your tickets (here) to see “Fiddler on the Roof” on November 8th, 9th, 10th, 16th and 17th at 7pm, and on the 11th at 2 pm! Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $5 for students and children!
