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'Fiddler on the Roof' comes to Batavia Arts Centre

Spotlight Youth Theater Kane County will present "Fiddler on the Roof Jr." at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre this weekend.

A cast of 63 actors, ages 8-18, will bring the classic musical to life.

The Daily Herald caught up with director Ben Olson of Elgin to learn more about the show. Olson has been with Spotlight for more than six years and has served as head director eight times.

Q. Why did you choose "Fiddler on the Roof" for your fall play?

Ben Olson. I chose "Fiddler" because it is one of the best musicals ever written. It won multiple Tony awards, and virtually every song is iconic and memorable. It's a timeless show. I grew up loving it because my Dad played Tevye when he was younger and always taught my brothers and I the songs. There are also many storylines that will always be relevant no matter what decade we're in. Unconditional love, family, cultural tradition, faith, changing political tides, etc.

Q. Explain the casting process. Is it difficult to find young actors who can act, sing and dance for the lead and supporting roles?

Olson. The problem this time around wasn't enough talent for this production, but where to cast everyone. We had 63 students audition and we cast all of them, but the teens here are very strong performers and it was a difficult puzzle in figuring out where they would succeed the most. We could easily have three different cast lists with the same quality of show.

Q. Briefly explain the plot of this story. Are you doing the classic "Fiddler on the Roof" or a different version?

Olson. It is based on "Tevye and his Daughters" (or "Tevye the Dairyman") and other tales by Sholem Aleichem. The story centers on Tevye, the father of five daughters, and his attempts to maintain his Jewish religious and cultural traditions as outside influences encroach upon the family's lives. He must cope both with the strong-willed actions of his three older daughters, who wish to marry for love - each one's choice of a husband moves further away from the customs of his faith - and with the edict of the Tsar that evicts the Jews from their village. We are doing the classic version because nothing else would suffice. There is nothing that needs to be changed with such a perfect script and score.

Q. What have been some of the challenges in putting together this production?

Olson. The content has presented some challenges. This isn't a typical "Spotlight show," which is generally bright, positive, funny, with a positive moral to the story at the end. The show literally ends with the mass exodus of the Jews in our story. Our students also struggled with the scene in which Tevye disowns his daughter Chava. That was a remarkable rehearsal, as both teen actors cried several times while working through the scene because of their real-life friendships. It has been hard for our cast to portray some very hard things, but I've appreciated their maturity in embracing the history of these events in bringing them to the stage.

Q. What do you think audiences will like best about this show?

Olson. It's no secret, they will love our Tevye. Darian, our actor portraying the iconic character, is just a natural. He has worked immensely hard on perfecting a very demanding role, and he is the heart and soul of this show. Even though it is a heavy show, there are plenty of moments of humor, incredible dancing, tightly harmonized voices, and beautiful character chemistry and relationships. All 63 kids bring something unique to "Fiddler," and it wouldn't be the same without even one of them. I also think audiences will love our Fiddler. She has no lines in the show at all, but communicates so well with her facial expressions, mannerisms, disposition, and yes, her violin.

Q. Anything else you want readers to know about this show or Spotlight?

Olson. I'd love to invite any local kids to join Spotlight and see what it's all about. We also offer classes and summer camps, not just the stage musicals. Students can gain experience in dozens of various theater disciplines. The winter show is Disney's "Beauty and The Beast," and the spring show is "Seussical: The Musical." Visit www.spotlight.org

Nathan Krestchmer, as the Rabbi, gives Jacob Hahn as Yussel some biblical instruction during a rehearsal for "Fiddler on the Roof Jr." The show will be presented Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 15-16, by Spotlight Youth Theater Kane County at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre. Courtesy of Rachel Gray
Jake Mickel as Motel and Ariel Gray as Tzeitel rehearse the celebratory chair lift in the wedding scene of "Fiddler on the Roof Jr." Courtesy of Rachel Gray

If you go

What: Spotlight Youth Theater presents "Fiddler on the Roof Jr."

When: 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 15-16

Where: Batavia Fine Arts Centre. 1201 Main St., Batavia

Tickets: $9-12 in advance, $2 additional at the door

Details: Call (847) 516-2298 or visit <a href="http://www.spotlight.org">www.spotlight.org</a> and click under the tab for shows

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