Although mixed with comic relief, this fall’s Becker High School musical, Fiddler on the Roof, touched largely on the serious issues of discrimination and anti-Semitism. The play centers around a Jewish family in 1905 Russia attempting to maintain their religious and cultural traditions.

 

Filled with rich songs and energetic dancing, the musical highlighted the talents of the cast, who had been practicing since mid-September. The end result was outstanding performances by all involved.

 

Directed and choreographed by Joe Rand, the piece included 54 cast members, six orchestra students and 20 student crew members, along with additional adult volunteers and directors.

 

Heidi Schneider from the Jewish Community Relations Council held a panel discussion on Judaism, anti-Semitism and how they relate to Fiddler on the Roof for cast members in November, as well as demonstrating how to perform the rituals in the play correctly in order to make them appear more realistic. 

 

Schneider held another panel discussion on the same issues between performances on Dec. 1 for the public.

 

Performances for Fiddler on the Roof were held Nov. 30, Dec. 1 and Dec. 2 at the Becker High School Performing Arts Center.

 

Two more theater productions from Becker schools are still to come this year. The middle school’s performance of Mary Poppins will be held March 15 – 17, and the high school will be performing 45 Seconds from Broadway for their spring play May 10 – 12.