Eagles Eye 2017

EXUBERANTLY CREATIVE >>
“Fiddler on the Roof”:
A Remarkable Display of Talent and Impact
The Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy Theater Department was proud to present “Fiddler on the
Roof” last March at CHCA’s Lindner Theater. Directed by Susan Jung, the cast and crew of 60+
students in Grades 9-12 sang, danced, moved sets around, managed lights and sound, and acted in
this classic tale.
Based on Sholom Aleichem’s Tevye and his Daughters,
Fiddler on the Roof is the beloved story of the small, traditionsteeped
town of Anatevka, Russia, where Jews and Russians
live in delicate balance. During the course of the show, the
time honored traditions of Anatevka are both embraced and
challenged by Tevye (Carter Jackson ‘17) and his colorful
community, as they witness his daughters, Tzeitel (Katherine
Abel ‘17), Hodel (Abby Cates ‘19) and Chava (Sarah Koopman
‘19), grow up and fall in love in a time of extraordinary change.
The “Fiddler on the Roof’s” Broadway premiere became
the longest-running Broadway musical in history, a title it
maintained for almost ten years. It is a story that captures
the essential human longings for love, community, success,
freedom, family, and meaning. Fiddler features such iconic
songs as the beautiful “Sunrise, Sunset,” the boisterous
“If I Were a Rich Man,” and the classic “Matchmaker,
Matchmaker.”
From the moment The Fiddler (Bryson Karrer ’17) played
his first notes, the audience knew they were about to
experience something special. From Tevye and Golde’s
(Caroline Rakestraw ’17) story with their daughters, to the
lively Matchmaker (Haley Charles ’17) making her schemes,
the musical beautifully interwove the story of family, love, and
devotion to God.
CHCA Fine Arts Director, Mona Summers, shared, “The show
was phenomenal! The Directors, cast, student production
team, orchestra, and parent volunteers spent countless hours
preparing in order for our audiences to experience something
wonderful. Our Director Susan Jung is very creative and
always brings a fresh perspective to every show. When you
put the team of Susan with her husband Jim Jung as the Set
and Technical Director together, you can expect a show full of
creativity!”
I believe, made a huge impact on our community. That is why
excellence in artistry is so important to me.”
Some central themes in “Fiddler on the Roof” revolve around
traditional ways being shaken by new thinking, long-standing
beliefs being challenged by young minds, families choosing
between acceptance and rejection, and people being forced
to leave behind their ideas, their homes, and each other. The
cast reminded us that these are the same things that are
challenging our world today with the opening and closing
scenes of the show. Seeing Tevye and his family as refugees in
a modern day subway system stirred the audience’s hearts to
realize this is still happening today.
Jack Paquette ‘18 (who played the Rabbi) gave a call-to-action
to the audience, asking them to prayerfully consider helping
refugees trying to find their way right here in Cincinnati.
Because of his service with CHCA’s Student Organized Service
(S.O.S.) program, he works closely with the Catholic Charities
of Southwestern Ohio. He called the audience to consider a
gift to Catholic Charities after the show. He shared that they
could help Catholic Charities who serve refugees who come
to the United States through the U.S. Department of State
and U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. These refugees
come from extreme poverty, violence, or religious and political
persecution in their homelands, seeking a better life for
themselves and their families.
Thanks to the generosity of those in attendance, CHCA
was able to present $1,343.64 to Catholic Charities.
Congratulations again to all for an outstanding performance
and wonderful display of generosity!
“Our production of Fiddler on the Roof represented for me
how good theatre can truly move people,” shared Director
Susan Jung. “From the orchestra, cast, crew, and creative
team, everyone worked together to create an experience that,
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