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, 24
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