THS Thespians Hope to Break a Leg with 'Fiddler on the Roof'

The new  auditorium is alive with drama as students rigorously rehearse for the March 24 opening night of THS' 2011 musical, "Fiddler on the Roof."

"Fiddler on the Roof" is a popular choice for schools. Based on a story by Sholem Aleichem, Joseph Stein created a musical set in 1905 Tsarist Russia.

Tevve, the father of five daughters, is the protagonist, and the musical revolves around Tevve’s desire to maintain his family and Jewish religious traditions during turbulent times.

His daughters’ decisions and perceived rebellion are the center of the musical’s conflict along with an edict proclaimed by the Tsar that evicts Jewish residents from the village.

Stage Manager Sam Maloney said the show is attractive to teens.

“It appeals to teens. It’s about breaking traditions. The show will draw in a large high school crowd,” he said.

The entire crew hopes to draw in crowds with an amazing production. Students must attend a demanding rehearsal schedule to make sure they are ready for opening night.

To ensure the musical goes off without problems, Maloney, a junior, has taken on the challenging role of stage manager.

Asked what the role encompasses, Maloney said, “What don’t I do?”

Maloney is responsible for writing down the blocking of the characters. This allows all the actors to know where they should be on stage. He also organizes and manages crew members and helps the actors rehearse lines.

This year the production is creating a lobby design, something not previously attempted.  Maloney will manage the design and production of it. He said his favorite part of the job is “knowing what goes on behind the scenes and knowing how much work goes into it. Without all the different people there would be no show.”

Alex Allyn, a sophomore, plays Yente, the village matchmaker. Allyn does not mind the demanding ten hours a week practice schedule as Yente is her dream role.

“I love really funny characters. It gives me a lot to work with,” she said.

Allyn conceded that managing the long hours at school can be a challenge but the show brings students together. “While some of the full cast rehearsals can become tedious and frustrating, we love it. We are a family,” she said.

Senior Sarah Tropp plays Golde, Tevve’s wife. Tropp, this year’s valedictorian and vice president of the Robotics Club, has been involved with the musical since freshman year but has been acting and singing since she was 8.

She remembers coming to the THS musical when she first moved to Trumbull and knowing that she wanted to be on stage. “It gives me a purpose and people I fit in with. By the end we are a family. All of my best friends, I have made here.”

On stage alongside Tropp is Senior Max Gottschall. Gottschall has been part of THS musical productions for the past three years.  At first he was nervous about trying out but Director Jessica Spillane found and recruited him.

His said his decision to be in the musical was one of his best high school choices. “'Fiddler on the Roof' is one of the all-time great musicals and we’re lucky to have a great cast, director, and production staff, as well as a new theater. I think that makes for a pretty potent combination that’s going to result in a show that everyone should see.”

Last year’s production received eight nominations from the Connecticut High School Music Theater Awards and drew in crowds of approximately 500 people per show. This year, 'Fiddler' will be housed in the brand new THS auditorium.

Spillane directs while the producer is Shannon Healy. The musical director is Jerold Goldstein and the choreographer is Frank Root. Performance dates are: March 24 at 7:30 p.m.; March 25 at 8 p.m.; March 26 at 8 p.m.; and March 27 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $15 and more information is available at Trumbullhighmusicals.com.