Last weekend, Nanuet Theater took audiences back over 100 years and across the world in their retelling of Joseph Stein’s classic musical, Fiddler on the Roof. The show was performed on Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14, in front of a packed theater.
In a small Jewish village in Ukraine, Tevye and his family struggle between their feelings and their traditions. The musical shows the village of Anatevka during a time of great change. Tevye must keep his family together under their long-held traditions, as his four daughters navigate their own paths through life.
Nanuet Theater’s cast and crew share their insight on what made this year’s spring musical so special. The musical emphasizes not being afraid to go against tradition, cast members explained.
“You can forge your own path towards happiness, even if that goes against what everyone else believes,” says senior cast member Cindy Angamarca Mazariego.
Angamarca Mazariego plays Golde, the mother of the family who is set on what she thinks is best for her daughters. Her and Tevye, the father, played by senior Erik Rydqvist, represent a desire to preserve their culture and traditions, while their daughters branch out and discover their own paths.
“It’s kind of this tug of war between what is expected of the daughters,” while also representing a “tension between modernism and tradition,” says Angamarca Mazeriego.
The younger characters all hold these grand ideas of true love, adventure, and finding what they want for themselves, instead of what others think they should have.
Christian Yanez, a sophomore and first time cast member for the musical, plays Perchik, a Christian from outside the village. He brings new ideas and culture to the isolated village. He’s a man outside of Jewish traditions, and he wishes to marry one of Tevye’s daughters. “I Thought I had Everything,” a song Yanez’s character sings during the show, tells the heartfelt story of his love for Hodel, and beautifully presents the love between the two characters, according to Yanez.
The play also holds a special place in the hearts of some cast members. In what was her final show on Nanuet’s stage, Angamarca Mazariego fulfilled a role with a special meaning.
“I grew up listening to the soundtrack,” she says. “It’s always been such a beautiful musical to me; it’s so heartfelt.”
In her final show, Angamarca Mazariego performed in a musical that shaped her theater career, a fitting end to countless breathtaking performances in Nanuet Theater.
“It feels kinda like a full circle moment growing up listening to this music and getting to now sing it myself,” says Angamarca Mazariego.
A general consensus among the cast was that the most jaw-dropping performance was certainly senior Erik Rydqvist’s portrayal of Tevye.
“There’s a reason he’s Tevye,” says Angamarca Mazeriego. “He embodies his character so seamlessly.”
Underclassmen Connie Hauser and Christian Yanez agreed that through Rydqvist’s loud and energetic rehearsals, he truly brings his character to life.
“I think you should really just go for Erik honestly,” said Yanez, ahead of the performances.
Rydqvist describes his own character as a goofy dad who expands his character throughout the show.
The cast were not the only ones these past few months busy preparing. Behind the scenes, the costume crew worked tirelessly to bring each character to life through meticulously crafted clothing. From old clothes worn by a common traveler to a beautifully tailored wedding dress, the costume crew had an outfit for every character and scene.
“This play’s very meticulous,” says costume crew representative Jocelyn Conklin, explaining that lots of effort goes into the smallest details of all the costumes, ensuring each cast member has something special to wear as they bring their character to life.
The musical stresses the importance of tradition and culture, while emphasizing the beauty that can be found in change and new beginnings. The family’s resilience through hardships made the musical a must-see this March.
The show was March 13th and 14th, with the 14th having two performances. Tickets are on sale now to witness the story in person!