Story and Photo by Alan Viau
Suzart Productions (suzart.ca) is capping off its 10th anniversary with the musical Fiddler on the Roof. An additional show has been added May 23. Tickets have sold so quickly for the four shows May 24 to 26 that another performance was needed to meet the demand.
Director Kraig Paul Proulx is thrilled by the response. Proulx has been dreaming about doing this show since he was 16 years old. He envisions the production to be a bit brighter than people might expect. “Although there are dark moments, the story is about the celebration of the human spirit … that it is the people around you that help you overcome.”
Fiddler on the Roof is a musical classic with music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and book by Joseph Stein. It is set in Tsarist Russia in 1905. The story centers on Teyve, the father of five daughters, and his attempts to maintain his family and Jewish religious traditions while outside influences encroach upon their lives. He must cope both with the strong-willed actions of his three older daughters—each one’s choice of husband moves further away from the customs of his faith—and with the edict of the Tsar that evicts the Jews from their village.
Tevye is played by seasoned actor Laurie Dickson, who sees this as his ultimate role. The story has a special connection for Dickson. “Fiddler is the story of the Jewish people and shows the importance of family in making good with what you’ve got.”
Dickson’s grandparents were evicted from Russia as in the story. The marriage scene is extremely meaningful for Dickson. It is touching to him because his grandparents met on their wedding day for the first time under the Chuppah. The Sabbath Chalice that will be used on-stage came from his grandparents. It has been passed down through the generations and entrusted to Dickson.
Fiddler on the Roof is presented at the Studio of Centrepointe Theatres, Ben Franklin Place. Tickets can be obtained through the box office at 613 580-2700. Single tickets are $27.50 for adults, $22.50 for seniors and students and $17.50 for children.
Laurie Dickson as Tevye
