St Edmund’s College took on the ambitious challenge of staging Fiddler on the Roof this year, a production known for its complex music, intricate choreography, and deeply emotional storyline. Set in a Jewish village in Tsarist Russia in the early nineteenth century, the show required the cast to dive deep into a foreign culture, mastering accents, dance styles, and the historical context of the period.
Start of the Journey
The production began in the Michaelmas term, with students learning music and preparing for auditions. The lead roles required strong singing, emotional depth, and precise dialogue. After a tough selection process, Mr O’Brien, Mrs Underwood, and other members of the Music Department chose the final cast.
Rehearsals were held twice a week for nearly three hours, with ensemble members attending part of the session. Principal cast members often stayed after school. Vocal coaches Mrs Hodgson and Mr Hope, alongside Mr O’Brien, helped refine the cast’s performances.
Behind the Scenes
Douai Hall was transformed with the help of WLX Productions, who provided set design, lighting, and sound. Year 10 student Ben expertly operated the lighting, while the sound was carefully managed throughout the show.
Costumes, led by Mrs Inman, were crucial to the production. Notable pieces included Fruma Sarah’s dress in the “Dream” sequence. Props were sourced from local community members, ensuring authenticity with items like prayer shawls and Challah bread.
A Memorable Performance
The performance balanced humour with the emotional weight of the show’s themes. Fiddler on the Roof is known for its powerful storytelling, and the cast brought these moments to life, particularly the scenes where the villagers are forced to leave their homes.
Five Rhetoric 2 students performed in their final college production, adding a sense of closure to their time at St Edmund’s College.
A Successful Production
The production was the result of hard work and dedication from both the cast and crew. The students committed to the challenging choreography, accents, and technical aspects of the show, making it a success for the college.
The final performance left everyone involved with a sense of accomplishment and pride in what they had achieved.