2001 - Fiddler on the Roof

MEMBERS OF Wexford Light Opera Society are rehearsing from 'Sunrise' to 'Sunset' this week as they prepare for the first night of their 90th production, 'Fiddler on the Roof', which opens in the Theatre Royal this Saturday.

The multi-award winning cast and chorus have been steeped in 'tradition' for the last number of months, as they prepare to transport Wexford audiences back to Czarist Russia, and the village of 'Anatevka' in particular, where rapid societal change rocks an impoverished Jewish community.

It's been a decade since WLOS last staged 'Fiddler', and that last outing earned them a cache of All-Ireland AIMS awards, including best overall show. This year's show promises to be an equally thrilling theatrical experience, with many new faces joining the familiar stalwarts of WLOS on stage.

Once again the inimitable Des Whelan recreates the role of 'Tevye' the dairyman, whose theme tune is the ever-popular song 'If I Were a Rich Man'. Other WLOS favourites taking to the stage include Siobhan Meyler-Fawsitt (Golde), Catherine Walsh (Yente), Pat Lawlor (Motel), Nicola Roche (Tzeitel), Mick Lawlor (Fyedka), and Oliver Sinnott (the Rabbi). Relative newcomers to the front line include Hilary Curley (Hodel), Neal O'Leary (Perchick), Adrienne Dowling (Chava) and Tony Brennan (Lazar Wolf).

They of course will be joined by a multitude of players in supporting roles, and, of course, the WLOS award-winning chorus.

In the director's chair this year is Pat Connaughton, famous for his work with Enniscorthy Theatre Group, while Dex McGloughlin joins the Society once again to take over the choreographer's mantle. Fr. John O'Brien is also back at the helm in the orchestra pit as musical director.

Booking for 'Fiddler on the Roof' is already very brisk, and those interested in attending the show are reminded to book early to avoid disappointment. The show commences this Saturday night (April 21) for eight consecutive performances ending on Saturday, April 28.

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