Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Friday, March 20, 2009

Michael Hustedde, Jonathan Karp, Ella Cunningham and Hitomi Shimojo got together in the SCAPA gym to rehearse the last scene of "Fiddler on the Roof." (Photo: Tammy L. Lane)

There’s more than catchy music and colorful characters in the upcoming SCAPA Lafayette production of “Fiddler on the Roof.”  Behind the scenes, student performers have learned lessons in Jewish culture and history in order to ensure their rendition reflects reality.

Authenticity is the goal as they bring to life the story of a dairyman named Tevye struggling to hold onto his family values and religious traditions in a world that’s constantly changing.

FCPS arts and humanities specialist Debbie Sogin, who is Jewish, helped gather background material for the “Fiddler” cast, including explanations of Sabbath celebrations and wedding customs such as the circle dance, in which a ribbon connects the bride and groom.

“As (a theater consultant), I have sent the cast and parents extensive research on how the prayers are done, practiced with the cast on the pronunciation, advised Bert (director Alberta Labrillazo) on reactions of characters, the significance of the daughters’ choice of mate, the mezuzahs (prayers) on the door of the house and all the other ‘Jewish’ relevant information,” said Sogin, whose husband happens to be the conductor for “Fiddler.”

“The whole cast and parents have really started to feel the weight of the themes and how the isolation and persecution of the Jews at that time has translated into later history and other ethnic groups,” she said. “It is a very moving experience.”

Jonathan Karp, a sophomore at Lafayette High School, plays the lead character, Tevye. Senior Michael Hustedde, an accomplished violinist, portrays the fiddler. Both are Jewish as well. And both said their faith perspective has helped them prepare for this double-cast show, which opens March 26 at the Lexington Opera House.

“It’s just easier to understand the whole setting,” Jonathan said. “There are still some ideas and ideals that are the same.”

Michael said his being Jewish also affects his music. “When I hear (the Sabbath prayer), I always think of the high holidays at our temple,” he said. “Thinking of that while I’m playing adds authentic emotion to how I’m playing and why I’m playing.”

Michael described his role as that of Tevye’s subconscious. At certain points in the show, all the characters freeze on stage as Tevye pauses and talks to the audience – or to God. Meanwhile, the fiddler is in the background. “Sometimes I play to correspond to his feelings and actions,” Michael said.

The story is set in 1905 amid the first rumblings of the Russian Revolution. Labrillazo, a drama teacher and “Fidder” director, said in the small Jewish settlement of Anatevka, people stick together, celebrate together, mourn together.

“We really wanted to bring the culture to our cast. I want them to experience that feeling of community,” she said. “I really want teamwork to be a part of our experience, and that’s an area that sometimes is very difficult for kids.”

If you go

“Fiddler on the Roof”

• The story: Tevye, a dairyman in a small Russian village, struggles to balance his family values and Jewish traditions with the growing pressure of modern influences. Faced with the strong wills of his three eldest daughters and the constant threat of the tsar, Tevye seeks to respond to these challenges in ways compatible with his faith. However, he often finds himself being led by his heart.
• A memorable line: “Without our traditions, our lives would be as shaky as a fiddler on the roof.”
• Who’s putting on the production: Students from SCAPA Lafayette and SCAPA Bluegrass, including actors, musicians, dancers and stage hands.
• Public performances: 7 p.m. March 26; 8 p.m. March 27; 2 and 8 p.m. March 28 at the Lexington Opera House, at the corner of Broadway and Short. Tickets are $10 for students and $12 for adults in advance; $1 more at the door.  Make reservations at the Lexington Center box office on West Vine Street, or charge by phone at (859) 233-3535.
• School shows: 10 a.m. and noon March 26-27 at the Lexington Opera House. Admission is $5 for students and chaperones; free for teachers. Call Carolyn Waterbury-Tieman at (859) 381-3332, ext. 1102, for reservations.