Dealing with disapproval from family is a predicament most face at least once in their lifetimes. For Tevye's daughters, disobeying their father's wishes is both a risky venture and a common occurrence in "Fiddler on the Roof."
The traditional Jewish musical, which is currently enjoying a brand new Broadway staging, opens at the CFA Thursday for a two-weekend run. The show is presented by the Department of Theatre and Dance.
Jeffrey Coyle, a sophomore musical theatre major, plays Tevye, the traditionalist patriarch of a Russian family. It is the opposing sides of his decision to either uphold tradition or sacrifice his values for his daughters' happiness that serves as the play's main conflict. Five daughters, three of which desire to marry someone other than their approved suitor, put their family relationships at stake to pursue the men they love.
"He is grappling with the fact that his daughters are growing into women who don't share the same views," said Coyle of his character's personal crisis.
Director Lynne Kurdziel-Formato, also the director of the musical theater program, describes "Fiddler on the Roof" as "a traditional show" that also offers "great entertainment."
"The students here are UB are extremely talented. For a reasonable ticket, you see a top-notch show," Kurdziel-Formato brags of the actors.
Each student involved in the show, aside from boasting enthusiasm, is eager to convey the message of the play, which touches some on a personal level. However, it is the universal impact of one's culture and one's family on one's life that is emphasized by the actors.
April Newdorf, a senior musical theater major who plays Chava, the third eldest daughter, identifies closely with her character and the theme of the play within her own life.
"(It's) my life onstage," Newdorf said in describing her connection with her character's dilemma, having encountered difficulty on account of her own relationship. "The ideas are still around."
Erica Giglio, a sophomore musical theater major who plays the Matchmaker, Yente, sums up the shows dilemma simply:
According to Giglio the bending and breaking of traditions is a theme.
"The whole thing has to do with tradition and his family," said Joanie Alberti, a senior musical theater major who plays eldest daughter Tzeitel. "I'm the first one to break tradition."
"It's timeless, it not only gives you a little bit of a history lesson, but gives you insight into Jewish religion," said Libby Scheg, a sophomore musical theater major who plays the second eldest and liberal daughter, Hodel.
It is apparent that emotion plays a large role in "Fiddler on the Roof." Kurdziel-Formato explains the most appealing aspect of the play.
"The notion of how far one can push the boundaries of family relationships...(is) very touching emotionally," said Kurdziel-Formato.
Many actors also praise "Fiddler on the Roof" for its script, by Joseph Stein.
"It is a gorgeous story, one of the better written shows of the century, and a delight to experience live," said Coyle. "One of the best written musicals of the genre."
"It will inspire people to relate to each other," said Hallie Clarke, a junior musical theater major who plays matriarch Golde. "The audience will definitely leave with something, no choice, but to be affected by this musical."
"Fiddler on the Roof" runs at the CFA Drama Theater through April 24. Tickets are available at the CFA box office and at all Ticketmaster locations. Discounted student tickets are availab
