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Performances:
November 5, 6, 7 & 8 at the
Academy of Music in Northampton, MA
Fiddler on the Roof is a perennially powerful musical about the exquisite joys and devastating sadnesses of daily life. Its lasting power as a piece of theatre comes from the loveable, familiar characters and their recognizable experiences that resonate with audiences of all ages. Fiddler uplifts how the people of Anatevka (like so many people around the world and throughout history) pursue life's joys - love, family, and freedom - in the face of great sorrows. There is so much humor and love among the people of Anatevka, and their highs are a strong contrast to the pain of their exile from their home.
In our current moment, the story of Fiddler on the Roof will resonate with many people’s experiences of exile, discrimination, and the strength to grow roots in a challenging environment. The people of Anatevka choose to carry on their traditions in spite of their displacement; this story inspires me, and I believe it will inspire our audiences too. The Pioneer Valley is aptly named as a place to which many people have journeyed in search of a new home; what a joy to share this story of resilience and community within this resilient community. -- Rose Schwietz Malla
Auditions will be held on:
Friday, April 17th from 6:00 to 9:00 pm
Saturday, April 18th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Sunday, April 19th from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Call-backs will be on Monday, April 20th beginning at 7pm until finished
Auditions will be at the Wesley United Methodist Church at 98 Maple Street in Hadley, MA.
Sign up for your audition time HERE to reserve a time. You will be asked to sing the song listed for your role and read a dialogue passage. Dancers should sign up for the Dancers Only slots.
There will be an Audition Workshop on Monday, April 13th at 7:00 pm, at Wesley United Methodist Church. Please come, see the space, meet some of the people who will be at your audition, sing your song and get familiar with our process. We really want to meet you!
NOTES ON CASTING
All singers, dancers, and actors are welcome and encouraged to audition regardless of race, gender, religion, ability, age, or identity of any kind. All roles are open to auditioners.
We are especially seeking youth performers for this production to represent the many generations of Anatevka.
Dance is central to life in Anatevka, and we welcome performers whose main focus is dance.
Please arrive at the Wesley United Methodist Church 15 minutes before your slot. You will have paperwork to fill out and have a photograph taken.
IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND ANY OF THESE DAYS, you can send us a video to ValleyLightOpera@gmail.com. Please sing the song listed for your character, or chorus auditioners can sing a suitable musical theatre piece. Those who want leads MUST be available on Monday, April 20th.
MALE ROLES
Tevye, the Milkman (Baritone, range: Ab2 - F4) “If I Were a Rich Man”
The likeable, hard-working, pious dairyman who seeks the positive side of life. He is a proud patriarch and father of five daughters, closely raised according to the scriptures.
Motel, the Tailor (Tenor, range: E3 - F#4) “Miracle of Miracles”
The poor and meek tailor who shares a deep love with Tzeitel. Sensitive and nervous, but sincere and friendly.
Perchik, the Student (Tenor, range: B2 - E4) “Now I Have Everything”
The outspoken student and visitor to Anatevka, who constantly challenges the traditions of the town. He eventually falls in love with Hodel.
Fyedka, the Russian Soldier (Tenor, range: B2 - E4) “To Life”
A strong, young Russian soldier who sees past his military obligations and falls in love with Chava. He challenges Tevye's imposed silence.
Lazar Wolf, the Butcher (Baritone, range: C3 - F#4) “To Life”
The feisty, brawny butcher and the town's wealthiest citizen who wishes to marry Tzeitel.
The Constable (Primarily speaking role)
Russian military official stationed near Anatevka who knows the villagers well, however he has superficial relationships with the villagers.
The Rabbi (Primarily speaking role)
A source of wisdom and guidance for the people of Anatevka; respected and revered.
Mendel, the Rabbi’s Son (Tenor, range: B2 - E4) “The Rumor”
The Rabbi’s son and future Rabbi who corrects Tevye’s comments about the Good Book.
Mordcha, the Innkeeper (Primarily speaking role)
He runs the local bar and is a good friend to Tevye.
Avram, the Bookseller (Tenor, range: B2 - E4) “The Rumor”
Runs the local bookshop and keeps the town advised of all the news in the area.
Sasha, a Russian Soldier and Soloist (Tenor, range: high) “To Life”
A friend of Fyedka, and a Russian soldier in town.
Nachum, the Beggar (Primarily speaking role)
The town beggar, who is not to be dismissed. He is as clever as he is scruffy.
Yussel, the Hatter (Primarily speaking role)
The town hatter, who is closely tied to Tevye’s family and speaks at Motel’s tailor shop.
FEMALE ROLES
Golde, the Mama, Tevye’s Wife (Mezzo-soprano, range: A3 - Eb5) “Sabbath Prayer”
Tevye's strong-willed wife who wishes for her daughters to have good husbands and live easier than she and Tevye.
Tzeitel, the Eldest Daughter (Mezzo-soprano, range: B3-D5) “Matchmaker, Matchmaker”
Tevye's eldest daughter, who is madly in love with Motel. She is loyal to her family but typically challenges the town's traditions.
Hodel, the Second Daughter (Mezzo-soprano, range: B3 - E5) “Far From the Home I Love”
Tevye's second eldest daughter, who becomes involved with Perchik. She eventually leaves Anatevka to join Perchik in Siberia.
Chava, the Third Daughter (Mezzo-soprano, range: B3 - D5) “Matchmaker, Matchmaker”
Tevye's middle daughter who loves to read. Falls in love and runs off with Fydeka, a Russian soldier.
Shprintze, the Fourth Daughter (Alto, range: B3 - D5) “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” - measure 178-end
Tevye's fouth eldest daughter who takes lessons at home from Perchik.
Bielke, the Youngest Daughter (Alto, range: B3 - D5) “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” - measure 178-end
Tevye's youngest daughter. Takes lessons at home from Perchik.
Yente, the Matchmaker (Alto, range: F3 - F5) “The Rumor”
The meddling matchmaker. She is a widow and village busybody who knows all of the town gossip.
Grandma Tzeitel, the Ghost of Golde’s Grandmother (Mezzo-soprano, range: C#4 - D5) “Tevye’s Dream”
Golde's deceased grandmother, who endorses the marriage between Tzeitel and Motel.
Fruma-Sarah, the Ghost of Lazar Wolf’s Wife (Mezzo-soprano, range: C4 - Eb5) “Tevye’s Dream”
Lazar's Wolf's deceased first wife. She becomes enraged when her husband plans to wed Tzeitel.
Shaindel, Motel’s Mother (Primarily speaking role)
The mother of Motel the tailor; she is extremely proud of her son.
ALL ROLES
The Fiddler (can be any gender) (Silent)
The fiddler plays music on the roof of a house in Anatevka, representing the delicate balance of life for the villagers. Must play the fiddle/violin.
Chorus of Mamas and Daughters
The women of Anatevka who make the houses into homes. They share their joys, sorrows, and secrets of daily life.
Chorus of Papas and Sons
The men of Anatevka who make the money for their families. They are the heads of the households - but the head is turned by the neck!
Russian Soldiers
The Russian military presence in town. They are conflicted between their neighborly feelings to the people of Anatevka and their duty to the Czar.
Chorus of Featured Dancers
Dance is central to life and ceremony in Anatevka and will be featured in several places, including the Wedding and the Bottle Dance.