For the first time, Harmony School of Creative Arts and the Hill Country
Community Theatre have officially joined forces this spring to produce
Fiddler on the Roof, Jr., slated for the first weekend in June. While HCCT
has recently celebrated their 25th anniversary, this is only Harmony's
second season to provide a junior theatrical piece for the public. In the
spring semester of 2005, two enjoyable performances of a children's musical,
Cat in the Castle, were held at the Uptown Theater of Marble Falls. This
season's Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. is slated for six performances at the Hill
Country Community Theatre in Cottonwood Shores. The talented cast consists
of a core of 18 students, ages ten through sixteen, most having been
involved with Harmony's theatre program several semesters. Additional cast
members will be added by audition (more information below). The much-loved
story is filled with scenes of comedy, romance, and thought-provoking
historical issues, all connected through segments of musical pageantry.

The full stage version of Fiddler on the Roof opened at the Imperial Theater
on September 22, 1964 and closed on July 2, 1972. The show reopened in '76,
'81, and '91. The author-approved Broadway Junior version of Fiddler
premiered in 1997 at Enrico Fermi School for the Performing Arts in Yonkers,
New York, under the direction of Steve Zawel.

As the core of the cast members currently participate in musical theatre
classes at Harmony School, they hold the major roles, with some double- and
triple-casting for greater opportunities across the board. The lead, Tevye,
is played by Tanner Smith and Ryan Johnson; Golde by Elizabeth Hahn, Kristen
Lookabaugh, and Laura Lykken; daughters Hodel, Chava, and Tzeitel by Amie
Balsam, Terisa Bedard, Nicole Johnson, Korey Lane, Joanna Piatek, Michelle
Poole, and Grace Walzel; and matchmaker Yente by Taylor Koska and Laura
Lykken. Austin Koska, Nathan Michie, Travis Michie, and Cody Summerville
assume the roles of Perchik, Lazar; Motel, and Fyedka. Other smaller roles
are also shared as needed. Playing the part of the fiddler will be a surprise violin
student.

David Bend, who recently directed the 1940's Radio Hour, is directing the
show, with Chandra Irvin in charge of teaching choreography original to
Jerome Robbins. Both are Harmony School instructors. The set design is
prepared by HCCT's Curtis Ashby.

Shows are scheduled for Thursday, June 8th, through Sunday, June 11th, with
evening performances each night beginning at 7:30 pm and two afternoon
performances on Saturday and Sunday beginning at 2:15 pm. Tickets are $10
for adults and $5 for children, available on May 23rd. Call the theatre box
office for more ticket information (830.798.8944).

As earlier mentioned, an intensive study will be offered to students - ages
10 to 16 - beginning Tuesday, May 30th. These students, if selected, will
perform as supplemental cast for the production. To inquire about details
and auditions, call Harmony School at 830.693.1791. Registrations close on
May 30th.

Barbara Bend
Executive Director
830.693.1791
Support Harmony School by volunteering a few hours each week at In Harmony
Thrift Store! A calendar is located in the store; call Pam (830.693.6958)
to schedule your time slot. Store hours are 10:00-3:00 Tuesday & Friday;
10:00-5:00 Wednesday & Thursday; 10:00-1:00 Saturday.