By Reg Sutphen
Artistry Community Theatre is inviting the public to be a part of the tradition with their upcoming production of “Fiddler on the Roof” at the Strand Theater.
“Fiddler on the Roof” focuses on Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman living in the village Anatevka with his family, seeking to maintain his family’s traditions in the face of external pressures. Three of his daughters wish to marry for love, much to Tevye’s dismay. The whole story takes place under the looming threat of persecution from the Russian monarchy. This show tackles the difficult topics of anti-semitism and societal expectations with catchy music and heartfelt characters.
The original Broadway production won nine Tony Awards, and continues to be a popular choice for community theater productions.
Sarah Cohen, a SUNY Plattsburgh alumni playing Yente the Matchmaker, said the show is nostalgic for her.
“I grew up watching the movie and listening to the Broadway cast recording. It has meant so much to my family for so long,” Cohen said. “And to be able to portray Yente and channel my Bubbe means so much to me.”
Cohen also praised ACT’s effort in allowing actors to be involved in the creative process.
“Something I really love about Artistry Community Theatre is that cast’s thoughts and ideas are welcomed and encouraged. Each production is such a collaborative effort between production and cast,” Cohen said. “After all, without either part a show cannot go on. Every single person involved is essential.”
Cohen connected the experience to her culture.
“I have also enjoyed being able to share the perspective as a member of the Jewish community and to help everyone understand what we are doing and why we are doing it,” Cohen said. “Understanding really helps people connect to the show that much more.”
Casey Koziatek, another SUNY Plattsburgh alumni playing Perchik the Student, commended director Derrick Hopkins on his ability to trust his performers.
“He will let us take our character and develop them with our own creative vision and provide feedback afterwards. Most of our characters and ideas we have for our characters come from the actor themselves and their interpretation of the character,” Koziatek said. “As a cast, we are always talking, trying to find little ways to interact with one another which help tell our story. Having that creative collaboration helps add depth to our characters and the show overall.”
“We are trying to be as true to the Jewish faith and the time period as we can be,” Zoziatek said. “Understanding the way of life during this time period, especially for the Jewish community, is important to telling the story and understanding why people respond to situations the way they do.”
Avery Tromblee, playing one of Tevye’s daughters Hodel, says the show has significant historical significance and is an important story to tell today.
“As we go through the show, we can see how important tradition, family, and values are within the Jewish culture,” Tromblee said. “I have so much respect for this show and the Jewish community. More than ever, this show has such an importance on culture as we see it today.”
Tromblee wants audiences to understand the historical depth of the show, and for audiences to leave feeling an importance of family and tradition.
“We all want to respect the culture of the Jewish community and respect and look back on the trials and tribulations that their community has gone through throughout history,” Tromblee said.
Artistry Community Theatre is a growing community organization, putting on a variety of theatrical productions each year. Previous titles include “Jekyll & Hyde,” “Legally Blonde: The Musical” and “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress.” Their upcoming season includes “Proof,” “Anything Goes” and “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”
Performances of ACT’s “Fiddler on the Roof” will be held on Friday, April 4 at 7pm, Saturday, April 5 at 7p.m. and Sunday, April 6 at 2p.m.
