March 18, 2011

Pinkerton Players set to present timeless tale

Senior Sam Fortier portrays the fiddler, a character that
symbolizes tradition, a key theme in “Fiddler on the Roof.”
 
By CAROL ROBIDOUX
Union Leader Correspondent
Sophomore Jesse Harte, who plays Chava, in the midst of a
dance rehearsal for Pinkerton Academy's upcoming production of
"Fiddler on the Roof."
DERRY -- Pinkerton Academy senior Sam Fortier will be portraying the fiddler in this year’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof” at Stockbridge Theatre, which premieres next week.
It’s acting at its best, since Fortier is actually a trumpet player.
But he has perfected the fine art of air violin and can sweep the bow across the violin strings with a convincing air, on
 cue. 

The full-scale musical production brings this old school family-style play to life, said Pinkerton Academy theater instructor Thomas Quigley. Thursday’s rehearsal couldn’t have gone better. 
“We’re ready,” he said, matter- of-factly, following the emotional final scene in which Tevye, and wife Golde, lead their daughters and their fellow villagers as they leave their longtime home in Russia to seek a new life far from political oppression. 
A recurring theme within the musical is tradition, something symbolized by the fiddler on the roof, or as Tevye’s character says: “A fiddler on the roof. Sounds crazy, no? But in our little village of Anatevka, you might say that every one of us is a fiddler on the roof: trying to scratch out a pleasant, simple tune without breaking his neck. It isn’t easy.” 
There are many familiar tunes — “Sunrise, Sunset” and “Tradition,” among others. But it is the dramatic interpretation of this classic story by his students that Quigley is most proud of. 
“I know my students, and I knew this was the perfect show for this group of students. They really embraced the show and loved doing it,” said Quigley. “I wish families would come out to see it — it’s really that kind of show. It has great meaning.” 
The show is March 24-26 at 7 p.m., with a matinee March 27 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at www.stockbridgetheatre.com

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