Fiddler on the Roof: An East-West Production!

By Dan Souza, feature writer

The famed Broadway musical, Fiddler on the Roof, written by Sholom Alcheim, is now being performed at Sturgis! It is being put on by Sturgis’s theater department, otherwise known as S.T.A.G.E.

The show, famous for such numbers as “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Matchmaker,” follows a poor Jewish milkman named Tevye, played by East junior Liam Prendergast, as he struggles to maintain the traditions of his village, while at the same time dealing with the oppression of the Russian government in the early 20th century. He runs into such struggles when his three oldest daughters, Tzeitel (Rachel Walman), Hodel (Hannah McLaughlin), and Chava (Ella Hunt) fall in love with three unexpected men, forcing Tevye to bend his morals and decide between tradition and the happiness of his family.

Commenting on the overall message of the play, senior Hannah McLaughlin, remarked, “Sometimes breaking traditions brings out the best in us.” Love, which helps to bring about this tradition-breaking in Fiddler on the Roof, is a recurring theme in the show. 

Liam and his daughters, as well as his wife, Golde, played by Ali Waithe, will be supported by a large cast including Sophia Braddel, Jack Watters, Ethan Bailey, Chris Dumont, Dan Souza, Claire Thomas, Rebecca Mann, Johnny Travers, Danny O’Connell, Connor Mahoney, Molly Brennan, Ethan Michael Piers, Maddie Williams, Jennifer Suslo, Dominic Fucile, and Daniel Kamb, as well a remarkably talented ensemble!  This is the first combined theatrical effort between Sturgis East and West, with the play being directed by one East teacher, Rachel Ollagnon, and one West teacher, Anna Botsford. 

When asked about how she feels to be part of the first S.T.A.G.E. collaboration between East and West, ensemble member Zoe Neal explained, “I think it's a wonderful opportunity to bridge the gap between the cultures of both schools, and that it is a great way to share a common love of music and theatre with other students.” 

Sophomore Anna Rohlf, also a member of the ensemble, agreed with Zoe that the production will be "a really exciting show with a huge variety of talent!”

The music is being taken care of by Ms. Moore from West, and the pit orchestra will be directed by Mr. Lee, also from West. The show will be performed at Nauset Regional Middle School on November 14th, 15th, and 16th. Be sure to make the trip over and watch your talented Sturgis students light up the stage!