TORRINGTON – Local high school students have kicked off their performances of the beloved musical Fiddler on the Roof, but there are still two more opportunities for family, friends and community members to enjoy the show. Performances will take place on Friday, March 28, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 29, at 2 p.m. in the Torrington High School Auditorium. While tickets are not required, free-will donations will be accepted to help cover the costs of producing the show.

The students have dedicated months of rehearsal to bring this iconic musical to life and their hard work is evident in every aspect of the production. From the outstanding acting and seamless scene transitions to the stunning vocal performances, the cast has truly captured the essence of this timeless story. The ensemble numbers were a standout feature of the show, showcasing ethereal harmonies and energetic choreography.

The production also features Laney Walter on the violin, playing the fiddler. Ty Fogle, who played Golde, said having a violin as part of the performance enhanced the authenticity. 

“It makes the production feel more connected with the violin present,” she said. “It makes the final scene so emotional and pulls the whole show together,” Fogle added.

Madison Copenbarger performed the part of Tzeitel, the oldest daughter who had different ideas about marriage than her parents had for her. For Copenbarger, the set enhanced her connection to the setting and she hopes will translate to the audience. 

“A lot of the challenges the characters are going through resonate with us as teenagers. We are putting emotion out there. The set is very elaborate, even having a perch above the actors for the fiddler, just like in professional productions,” Copenbarger said.

Keegan Black, a senior who is performing in his fourth high school musical, said it was a great show with lots of character development, humor and subtlety. He believes the story is relatable to people in every stage of life. Elias Bustamante agreed with Black and also said the acting in this show was a challenge because there were many scenes with complicated emotions, including one unique scene where he shares a scene with Callie Martin as Hodel, who had no lines in the scene and had to rely on non-verbal acting.

Elias Bustamante delivers a memorable portrayal of Tevye, the central character, a father who struggles to balance his traditional values with the changing world around him. Ty Fogle takes on the role of Golde, Tevye’s devoted wife, bringing depth and warmth to the character. The couple’s five daughters—each with their own unique personalities and dreams—are brought to life by Copenbarger as Tzeitel, Callie Martin as Hodel, Frankie Saland as Chava, Aubreeana Briggs as Shprintze and Kiera Fleenor as Bielke.

The production also features a strong supporting cast, including Kaylee Johnson as the outspoken matchmaker Yente, Keegan Black as the shy but determined Motel, Allen Rose as the charismatic Perchik and Briden Resig as the wealthy suitor Lazar Wolfe. Other notable cast members include Cooper Smith as Mordcha, Cooper Beck as the Rabbi, Breck Shannon as Mendel, Serenity Minter as Avram and Zeke Bustamante as Nachum. Tashara Sinner brings humor and charm to the role of Grandma Tzeitel, while Sawyer Massey takes on the role of the vengeful Fruma-Sarah. Jordin Eutsler plays the Constable and Brody Harrison portrays the steadfast Fyedka. Makenna Matthews is Shaindel and Laney Walter brings life to the iconic role of the titular fiddler.

The musical is also supported by a talented chorus of villagers, including Emma Erskine, Lillith Beck, Karis Walker, Haley Defoe, Meaghan Hooper, Hadassah Huntington, Avery Hunter, Brooklyn Mackenzie, Kay Read, Sophie Sinner and Loralei Telford. Together, they help create a lively and immersive atmosphere which transports the audience straight to the small Jewish village of Anatevka.

Behind the scenes, the show’s success is also due to the hard work and dedication of the production crew. Nora Jesperson served as the stage manager, ensuring the show ran smoothly, while Amathyst Parrelli assisted. Mason Wilkes oversaw lighting and design and Addison Hansen handled marketing efforts. The backstage crew, including Amathyst Parrelli, Jacob Barsell, Brayden Duffield, Paula Jenkins and Typer Smith, played an essential role in supporting the show’s technical aspects and ensuring everything went off without a hitch.

Make sure to come out and support the talented high school performers in this unforgettable production. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Fiddler on the Roof or new to the story, you’re in for a treat.