The School of Fine Arts will present “Fiddler on the Roof” tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Jones Performing Arts Center.
“Fiddler on the Roof” is a musical centered around a Jewish man named Tevye and his Russian family, and it takes place in 1905. Not only does the family have many relational struggles, but also conflict regarding racism.
Junior musical theatre major from Northern Ireland Esther Atkinson, who plays the eldest daughter Tzeitel, encourages all students to attend the show.
“Fiddler…shows the battle of acceptance and rejection. This is a real struggle in our society at the moment. Because people are different we are then afraid, therefore we run away or push away,” Atkinson said. “’Fiddler on the Roof’ tugs right at your heart strings as you watch and grow to love this Russian Jewish family on stage and how Tevye the milkman has to learn to accept or reject his daughters’ wishes. And then ultimately a whole nation rejecting his people group.”
Tevye is played by Scotty Scott, a sophomore musical theatre major from Russellville, who has enjoyed playing a role from one of his personal favorite shows.
“’Fiddler on the Roof’ is a unique show, because while it is a ‘musical comedy,’ the show has many emotional and thought-provoking moments. You’ll go on sort of a roller coaster of emotions, because there will be moments you laugh, but there will also be moments where you might cry,” Scott said.
Not only has he enjoyed working on the musical because it is one of his favorites, he has also enjoyed how the show challenges him as an actor.
“Without giving away any spoilers, there’s a scene between Tevye and one of his daughters, Chava, that is one of the most difficult but rewarding moments I’ve ever performed in theatre. I love that scene,” Scott said.
Although the show does have many serious and intense scenes of emotion, sophomore musical theatre major from Alma, Ark., Michaela Camille plays the role of Yente, who is often the comedic relief.
“I play Yente, the village’s matchmaker. She is the town gossip, but at the same time, she really means well. She loves the people of the village and she wants what’s best for them, even if some of her matches are a little misguided, but it’s because she’s trying to preserve the Jewish heritage and tradition,” Camille said. “Ultimately, I like to think she’s like the fun grandma you’ve always wanted. I hope y’all eventually love her like I do.”
Overall, the cast is extremely excited to present this musical.
“With ‘Fiddler,’ you’re getting a timeless and emotionally engaging story accompanied by music that will stay with you far after you leave the theatre. The show is one of my personal favorites, and as a student, you get a free ticket, so go out and take advantage of something that’s free,” Scott said.
The show will run tonight, tomorrow night and Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a matinee Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or at the OBU Box Office.
Written by Staff writer, Ethan Dial
