The St. Mary Junior High students traveled back in time to learn about a Settlement of Imperial Russia in 1905 in their recent production of the classic musical “Fiddler on the Roof.”
The story centers on Tevye, the father of five daughters, and his attempts to maintain his Jewish religious and cultural traditions as outside influences encroach upon the family’s lives. 8th grader Nico Lah gave a standup performance as Tevye, complete with authentic accent and perfect delivery of humor in his lines. Principal, Mary Petelin, remarked, “he has a promising drama career ahead of him.”
Tevye must cope both with the strong-willed actions of his three older daughters, who wish to marry for love. Each one’s choice of a husband moves further away from the customs of his faith.
Mrs. Julie Fedak and Ms. Kristina Romano worked countless hours with the students to learn the idea and history of the musical, songs and intricate dances, including one in which the 6th grade boys balanced bottles on their heads. Audience member, Elizabeth Young said, “It’s hard to believe they were Junior High students.” In a show with several key roles, it was easy for many of the students to have a larger part in the production. “It was lots of work, lots of fun and worth the time we spent,” commented 8th grade actor Bobby Williams.
The production is a part of both the musical curriculum and is included across subject areas in the spring with all of the Junior High students. For 8th graders, it is a final gift they give to the school and one last memory they can create with their classmates before moving on to high
school next year.
