Up until this fall Chantilly High School theater was going through a "musical drought," the most recent one having been "The Wiz" in the spring of 1996. However, the drought was ended when auditions for "Fiddler on the Roof" took place in early June.
Bringing her new ideas and ambitions to the department, Shannon Spicer, a recent graduate in theater arts from Virginia Tech, is transforming actors into singers and dancers for this dramatic production. In an effort to make the show an exceptional performance she has brought in close friends Molly Khatcheressian, a music teacher at Longfellow Middle School, for vocals and Rebkah Frye, an English teacher at Robinson Secondary School, for choreography.
"The musical's about a Jewish family living in Russia, and how Tevye's life and traditions slowly fall apart with the decisions that his three oldest daughters make when they fall in love," said Joe Cassara (senior), who plays Tevye, the main character. It's no secret why Cassara was cast as the lead. He's a three-year member, one of the leading male vocals, and the dance captain of Chantilly's award-winning Touch of Class. "With such a talented ensemble of singers, actors, and dancers — this is the best group of people I've ever worked with," said Cassara.
As Golde, Sarah Frook (senior), is Tevye's wife. "This is the most difficult role I've ever played. We've spent a lot of time on character development and analysis," said Frook. "With all the hard work going into it, I can't imagine it being anything else but great."
Stephanie Wilbur, Katie Poandl, and Alex Keiper (seniors) were cast as the three oldest daughters. Wilbur, who plays Tzeitel (the oldest of the three), is the first to fall in love and does so with a poor tailor, Motel, played by Ryan Plavnieks. "So far everything's going well and every one is so easy and fun to work with," said Wilbur.
Alex Keiper, who plays Chava, admitted to being a little nervous along with the usual excitement, due to the fact that she's trying her best "to live up to Chantilly's standards."
Favorites songs among the cast are "To Life" and "Sunrise, Sunset". "To Life" is perhaps the most enjoyable because it's the largest number in the show with a great amount of choreography. "Sunrise, Sunset" creates a peaceful atmosphere during the wedding, and Sarah Frook calls it, "beautiful and touching."
With only a third of rehearsals over, the set for the show is already well underway, with turning houses and an elevated platform for the musicians.
The cast of "Fiddler on the Roof "promises to provide a night of unforgettable and entertaining performances filled with laughter and tears. The dates for the show are Nov. 20-23. For tickets or more information, call the drama department at 703-222-8182.