"A fiddler on the roof. Sounds crazy, no? But in our little village of Anatevka, you might say every one of us is a fiddler on the roof, trying to scratch out a pleasant, simple tune without breaking his neck. It isn't easy. You may ask, why do we stay up there if it's so dangerous? We stay because Anatevka is our home....and how do we keep our balance? That I can tell you in one word....Tradition....and without our traditions, life would be as shaky as a fiddler on a roof."
As a cast we have had a lot of discussion about this opening monologue. When rehearsals started in the middle of our heaviest snow months this winter, it was easy to ask ourselves that very question. "Why do we stay up here?" I think we all could relate to Tevye when he said, "Because Anatevka is our home."
The metaphor of the Fiddler is something that can not be ignored. You will see him throughout the show at poignant moments as if, with the violin's mournful tune, to remind Tevye that the Jewish people are the "chosen people." Set just prior to the Russian Revolution (1894-1905) in Tsar Nicholas' reign, we know historically the plight of the Jewish people would continue into the ages. Yet, Tevye's constant devotion and relationship to God carries and sustains him through difficult times. It is inspiring to see, even as the pogroms are emptying Anatevka.
This year's show has a completely different feel than any other show we have done in the past. Crossing cultural lines and developing characters in a historically accurate manner was pretty challenging for our cast. It was hard, but hard was necessary for growth, and once again the students have risen to the challenge. It never ceases to amaze me the amount of community support we have, and this year was no different. We were fortunate to have great advisors to help us develop the show and tell the story of Anatevka with honor and respect.
We have a large group of seniors this year and their leadership, commitment, and talent will surely be missed next year. It certainly has become a tradition for us to rely on them, and there will be a mournful tune in our heart as they take their final bows. However, as Tevye has faith in God, we have faith in their futures and in our younger students' abilities to step up and fill their very big shoes. L'Chaim-To Life!
Special Thanks to:
John and Karen Storms-Rohm Kurt Harvey
Scott and Becky Feil Susan and Jamey Barnard
Jeff Harthun Paula Laws
Ken Grabowski Sally Koon
Margaret "Peaches" Sanovic Sarah Feyers
Camp Arcadia Grille 44
OCS Custodial Staff Rob Ide
Larry and Joyce Reed Barry and Hazel Reed
Onekama Building Supply Bear Lake Ace Hardware
Larry Babcock Patrick Spalding
Kathy Spalding Darlene, Becky, and Paul Cunningham
Manistee Civic Players Kiara Bromley
Mary Paine Joyce and Bob Brenner
Dave Smeltzer Byron Joseph
Kaylan Fitch Mr. Cordes & Mr. Hughes
The Administration & School Boards of Bear Lake, Onekama, and KND School Districts
OCS Fine Arts Boosters
*******Be sure to check the back of your ticket for a coupon to Grille 44***********
