There’s a Fiddler on the Roof at Hendricken this week

Luke Huddon
Posted 3/26/15

“We get them to believe. It’s awesome,” said Richard Sylvia, director of the arts at Bishop Hendricken High School, of the school’s upcoming production of “Fiddler on the Roof.”

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There’s a Fiddler on the Roof at Hendricken this week

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“We get them to believe. It’s awesome,” said Richard Sylvia, director of the arts at Bishop Hendricken High School, of the school’s upcoming production of “Fiddler on the Roof.”

While athletic achievements at Bishop Hendricken always seem to get the spotlight, the equally tenacious attitude of their drama program should not go unrecognized. As one of the few schools in the nation to offer an Honors Arts Academy Program, there’s no wonder why so many talented performers from other schools audition for parts in their productions. In “Fiddler” alone, girls from more than eight schools will have at least one representative in the cast from Warwick Vets, Pilgrim, Toll Gate, Bayview Academy, Exeter-West Greenwich, Rocky Hill, LaSalle Academy and South Kingstown.

Sylvia believes that female performers add an entirely new and necessary dynamic to the play.

“This one is very community-based … people who have a strong sense of faith are connected together, not just the main characters, everyone as a whole,” said Sylvia.

Similar to the communal atmosphere of the play itself, the actors work closely together to make the production a success.

As a play centered directly on religion and the influence of traditions, conveying the sense of nonconformity and resistance to change in the play will not be simple. The solution will be in how well the group works smoothly and confidently together.

Beyond the performances, the tech crew at Bishop Hendricken has worked tirelessly to provide the less obvious aspects the play needs, such as lighting, sound tracks, and audio bits. The tech crew will hold a “Tech week” prior to the play date to practice all of the little elements that complement the overall production. Those efforts have brought the Bishop Hendricken Drama Program where it is today.

As for the play itself, “Fiddler on the Roof” emphasizes the necessity for family, faith and community in rapidly changing times. The musical highlights the hope that gives the strength to move forward. Sylvia is confident in his performers’ abilities to convey that sense.

“Even though this is such a heavy play, with countless problems, there is still a lot of light-hearted moments,” said Sylvia. “The question is, ‘How do you make them work?’”

A better question is, how will senior Mike Villanueva make this work?

It is no easy task to take on the lead role, especially in “Fiddler on the Roof.”

Playing the part of Tevye, Villanueva will need to express the fear of being expelled from Russia as a Jewish family. Villanueva will need to show the internal and communal struggle in one character. That’s a big job for one actor.

“We practice nearly every day, every week; it’s strange though. You never expect things like this to go by so fast, and when they do, you feel unprepared,” said Villanueva.

With a budget of $8,000 to $10,000 for the play, it is evident that the students and faculty want to put on a good show. Nonetheless, the only thing Sylvia is nervous about now is the snow.

There is no better opportunity to experience life in Tsarist Russia in the early 20th century than through “Fiddler on the Roof.” High emotions, laughter, and music will fill the air as “Fiddler on the Roof” takes the stage at 7 p.m. on March 26 through March 28, with an additional show at 2 p.m. on March 28.

“I feel like we’re ready as ever…” said Villanueva. “And I think that it’ll be a good show, one I’ll be proud of to put on with this company I’ve come to see as a family.”

Tickets are $15 for adults; $12 for students and seniors and are available online at www.hendricken.com, or at 739-3450 ext. 120.

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  • Justanidiot

    I bet the gentlemen attending BH can identify with one side of the Russian pogroms.

    Friday, March 27, 2015 Report this