Rosary welcomes back alumni to the stage for 'Fiddler on the Roof' production
As part of its 60th anniversary celebration, Rosary High School in Aurora is welcoming back alums to the stage during the "Tradition" number of this weekend's production of "Fiddler on the Roof."
They especially want to welcome back the "Fiddler" casts of 1977, 1982, and 1995, and 2006 for the Thursday and Saturday shows.
Show dates are 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3; 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 4-5, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, in the school auditorium, 901 N. Edgelawn Drive. Show tickets are $15; $12 for students and senior citizens. Tickets are available online at www.rosaryhs.com/musical. For additional information, call the school at (630) 896-0831.
The Daily Herald checked in with producer, vocal and orchestra director Megan Carron and director Laura Biancalana as director to learn more about this production.
Q: Why did you choose "Fiddler on the Roof" as your fall musical?
Biancalana/Carron: The story of Tevye, his family, and his community teaches us important lessons. At its core, it is a story about faith and love. The community of Anatevka is intimately connected, sharing the joys, and mourning the losses of each member.
The Rosary and Marmion students are also a tight knit, faith-filled community.
And as a Rosary/Marmion community, seek to grow in faith, stand up for what we believe, and support each other in good times and bad. We want to thank our Rosary High School administration for their support of the fine arts so we could share these important lessons of family, faith, and community.
We also are always grateful to be able to partner with our brother school Marmion Academy and bring this heartwarming story to the stage.
Q: What have been some of the challenges in putting together this production? Please be as specific as possible.
Carron: One challenge has been the time frame. We only had eight weeks to put the vocals, blocking, choreography, and the set/tech elements together. Another challenge has been working with two casts. But the students have taken advantage of these extra opportunities and have grown in confidence learning from their counterparts. We welcomed these challenges that helped bring out our best!
Q: What has been most rewarding or gratifying?
Carron: The most rewarding part of the experience has been seeing the students create the story that comes to life on stage. To see all of the work that the students have done and the way they have transformed since the beginning of the rehearsal process is such an incredible experience. It has been my great joy to see the actors grow into their characters and the pit musicians bring out the charm and magic of the musical score with skill and passion.
It's been a privilege to work with such talented students and musicians. We are also very lucky to have such a generous Rosary and Marmion community of parents and Rosary alums that have worked tirelessly on the costumes and the set. Finally, it's been great to see everyone's hard work rewarded when set pieces, lights, and sound were added.
Q: What criteria did you use for casting the lead roles? Was this a difficult, or easy show to cast?
Carron: This show was challenging to cast. The lead, supporting, and ensemble roles require great vocal ability as well as acting. We had a large amount of talent. The character development was another large part of the selection process. Throughout the process, the performers displayed substantial talent and spirit!
Q: What do you think audiences will like best about this show?
Carron: We think a wide audience will enjoy the humor, the memorable songs, the relatable characters, and the meaningful lessons. The iconic songs will have you singing along while you dare to dream with "Matchmaker, Matchmaker," laugh out loud with "If I Were A Rich Man," and tear up with "Sunrise, Sunset" and "Anatevka." This is a story and score that will last forever in your heart.
Q: Anything else you'd like to share with readers?
Carron: We have a special event happening during the show weekend! On Friday to Sunday, the adults can enjoy beer, wine, or a specialty cocktail at The Anatevka Tavern!
We are also proud to present a story about family, faith and tradition as we are celebrating the 60th anniversary of Rosary High School. We are welcoming back alums, with a group joining us back on the Rosary stage for the Thursday and Saturday shows during the "Tradition" number. We especially want to welcome back the Fiddler casts of 1977, 1982, and 1995, and 2006!
Don't wait to get your tickets at www.rosaryhs.com/musical.