Acting is tough enough, even a little tougher when teens turn into strict parents on stage.
Tevye and his wife Golde, played by Belmont classmates Brett LaPorte and Lauren Cassidy have a tough time parenting their children in the classic musical theatre production of
Fiddler on the Roof.
Tevye, a poor dairyman, has five daughters all looking for love.
“The father is struggling when he’s losing his daughters to marriage,” explained Cassidy. “The play chronicles each of the three eldest daughters who are looking to find love.”
Some of the conflicts between the teens and their parents stem from the parents strict
Jewish community traditions and the more modern ideas of the youth.
“Traditions change and evolve over time and people often struggle with traditions,” said Belmont drama teacher Melissa Young, who choreographed and directed the play.
For Cassidy and LaPorte, playing
parents on stage has made them think about the parents they may become one day.
“I hope I am not like Golde. She is a little stricter than I would be and she wears the pants in her relationship,” Cassidy said. “She is a woman who really cares a lot about her family and I would be like her in that.”
LaPorte admits he would like to be a similar man to the character he plays. “Tevye is a hard working man who works everyday for his family to give them a good life. I think I would be a bit of a strict father too,” he said.
Fiddler on the Roof was created with the hard work of 90 students from grades 9 through 12. Working professionals from the community served as mentors to student musicians, stage and technical directors.
“There is something for everyone and it’s a beautifully told story,” said Young
Performances are May 15 to 17 at 7 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee on May 18. Opening night, May 15, will be a gala event that includes snacks and dignitaries.
All shows are at Isabelle Reader Theatre, at Spencer middle school, 1026 Goldstream Ave. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students.
Tickets to the show can be purchased from Belmont secondary school at 250-478-5501