HRA students make a deep connection with the spring musical: Fiddler on the Roof
Hampton Roads Academy’s spring musical, Fiddler on the Roof, from the creative team of Joseph Stein, Sheldon Havnick and Jerry Bock, is truly a must see.
One of the most beloved musicals of the last 50 years, Fiddler on the Roof follows the story of the Jewish milkman, Tevye, struggling to hold onto the traditions of his culture amidst the rapid social and political change in the early 1900 Russian town of Anatevka. With its themes of tolerance, acceptance and independence, Fiddler on the Roof reinforces those personal values inside everyone involved. Fiddler on the Roof has a deep connection to the beliefs and values of an older Jewish generation. The father, Tevye, is portrayed in a traditionally masculine role, his values are tested by his daughters and he begins to change for them.
John Brooks, a senior, and Adam Stein, a junior, play the roles of Tevye and Perchik, and find a deeper relationship with the iconic musical through their own personal lives. Brooks believes that “the show creates a cultural tie between the characters, the performers and the audience, making it very enjoyable to perform.” While Stein relates to his character because Perchik offers a new perspective to an otherwise very traditional society; “everyone else is old-fashioned, but Perchik has the most modern ideas and fights for equality.” Brooks states that, “it’s interesting to get into the mind of why a father would react in a certain way.” This idea of acceptance is not always addressed in a positive way, and Stein shares that the musical “is an accurate depiction of the Jewish people in the early 1900s. Not many people know how the Jews were persecuted back then; even those members of the community who weren’t necessarily anti-Semitic would conform to oppress the Jews. For the historical value of the show, among many other wonderful things, it’s a must see!”
The significance of Fiddler on the Roof is that it helps to make Jewish culture more available to a wider audience, and “while some of its importance has been lost in its translation, overall it’s a show that tries to make the Jewish faith and culture explainable, so it’s nice to feel a bit more represented,” says Brooks.
For Stevie Ayres-Kerr, a senior, this will be her last performance at Hampton Roads Academy. During her time at HRA, Ayres-Kerr has taken part in 15 performances. The importance of Fiddler on the Roof to her is “the fact that you don’t appreciate the product until after it’s over. You’re surrounded by so many people who are on your side, and so desperately want you to achieve. If we try hard enough we can make incredible shows happen.”
"If you've never heard of Fiddler on the Roof and never seen the show, you need to come and witness it for yourself. It's not about a fiddler...or a roof. It's about life, love, family and relationships...it's a wonderful thing," says Stevie Ayres-Kerr.
John Brooks, a senior, and Adam Stein, a junior, play the roles of Tevye and Perchik, and find a deeper relationship with the iconic musical through their own personal lives. Brooks believes that “the show creates a cultural tie between the characters, the performers and the audience, making it very enjoyable to perform.” While Stein relates to his character because Perchik offers a new perspective to an otherwise very traditional society; “everyone else is old-fashioned, but Perchik has the most modern ideas and fights for equality.” Brooks states that, “it’s interesting to get into the mind of why a father would react in a certain way.” This idea of acceptance is not always addressed in a positive way, and Stein shares that the musical “is an accurate depiction of the Jewish people in the early 1900s. Not many people know how the Jews were persecuted back then; even those members of the community who weren’t necessarily anti-Semitic would conform to oppress the Jews. For the historical value of the show, among many other wonderful things, it’s a must see!”
The significance of Fiddler on the Roof is that it helps to make Jewish culture more available to a wider audience, and “while some of its importance has been lost in its translation, overall it’s a show that tries to make the Jewish faith and culture explainable, so it’s nice to feel a bit more represented,” says Brooks.
For Stevie Ayres-Kerr, a senior, this will be her last performance at Hampton Roads Academy. During her time at HRA, Ayres-Kerr has taken part in 15 performances. The importance of Fiddler on the Roof to her is “the fact that you don’t appreciate the product until after it’s over. You’re surrounded by so many people who are on your side, and so desperately want you to achieve. If we try hard enough we can make incredible shows happen.”
"If you've never heard of Fiddler on the Roof and never seen the show, you need to come and witness it for yourself. It's not about a fiddler...or a roof. It's about life, love, family and relationships...it's a wonderful thing," says Stevie Ayres-Kerr.
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