Tradition, matchmaking and a cast of 45; 'Fiddler on the Roof' comes to Hickory High School

David L. Dye, The Herald, Sharon, Pa.
Updated ·2 min read

Mar. 14—HERMITAGE — Local audiences are in for some history and ethnic entertainment with the Hickory High School Drama Department's production of "Fiddler on the Roof" this week.

The musical, set during the early 1900s in the Russian Empire, tells the story of Reb Tevye, who lives with his wife and five daughters in the Jewish community of Anatevka.

Since Tevye's five daughters want to choose their own suitors instead of going through arranged marriages, Musical Director Julie Kerr said much of the story deals with the community's traditions and the changes experienced by its Jewish residents.

"It's very much an ensemble performance, because there are a lot of characters that come in throughout the show," Kerr said.

Playing the lead role of Tevye is junior Payne Moschillo, while freshman Emily Bayer plays the eponymous fiddler on the roof, a metaphor that appears throughout the story.

Audiences will also become familiar with many of Anatevka's other residents, including the matchmaker Yente, played by senior Alyssa McDonald, Kerr said.

Although Kerr said she normally tries to avoid repeating shows, Fiddler on the Roof was previously performed at Hickory High School in 2003 — the first show performed in the high school's then-newly-renovated auditorium.

There are 45 students in the cast, with about 15 more students involved in the crew.

Compared to the normal challenges faced with preparing for a musical, Kerr said the students needed to wear period-appropriate clothing while being able to perform ethnic songs and dances.

"You really need a good cast to put this show on, and this year I could tell we had the right students to do it," Kerr said.

"Fiddler on the Roof" will be performed at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and at 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. For tickets or information, call 724-981-8750 ext. 1242.

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