Thornton Academy News
‘Fiddler on the Roof’ returns to Thornton Academy
The Thornton Academy Players present Fiddler on the Roof, the award-winning musical about life in a Jewish community in a pre-revolutionary Russian village. Tevye, a poor milkman, struggles to maintain his Jewish traditions in the face of outside influences. His strong-willed daughters wish to marry for love and an edict of the tsar eventually evicts the Jews from their village.
The role of Tevye is played by Jack Tripp, a Junior who audiences will remember as King Claudius in Thornton’s production of Hamlet in fall 2021. “Jack really becomes Tevye on stage,” says Emma Campbell, Chair of Thornton’s Arts Department. “His voice, his mannerism, and his movement are all spot on in what will be an outstanding and memorable performance."
Another Junior, Edie Harriman, plays the fiddler on a roof constructed for the production by the crew of Thornton students.
Carrying on a tradition
The TA Players last performed Fiddler on the Roof in 1981, and members of that class will be in the audience for the Saturday, April 9, evening show. Andy Cole, owner of Andy’s Agway in Dayton, performed the role of Tevye in that production and has loaned Jack his hat from the 1981 show (photo below)
This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the Harry P. Garland II Auditorium, one of the jewels on the TA campus.
About Fiddler on the Roof
The musical debuted on Broadway in 1964, winning nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score. The music was composed by Jerry Bock, with lyrics by Shelcon Harnick. Signature songs include, “If I Were a Wealthy Man,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” and “Tradition.”
The cast and crew of nearly 100 will present five shows at Thornton Academy’s Harry P. Garland II Auditorium. Show dates and times are:
Thursday, April 7, at 7 pm
Friday, April 8, at 7 pm
Saturday, April 9, at 2pm and 7 pm
Sunday, April 10, at 2 pm
Pictured above: Jack Tripp and Edie Harriman star in the Thornton Academy production of Fiddler on the Roof.
Below: Jack Tripp, left, plays the lead role of Tevye in Thornton Academy's production of Fiddler on the Roof. Jack is wearing the hat used by Andy Cole in the 1981 production.
