James Hargest College are very grateful for the combined talents of Mr Jonathan Tucker (Director) and Ms Emma Jarman (Musical Director). Their many hours of dedication have allowed our students to flourish on stage.
Director’s Comments
“Fiddler on the Roof” was a Broadway hit from opening night on September 22nd 1964, and over more than 50 years it has been appreciated in many theatres throughout the world. It’s a strong story full of interesting characters, set in an environment that is historically challenging, and the songs are up there with the best of mid-century Broadway.
“Fiddler on the Roof” was one of the first popular post-Holocaust depictions of the vanished world of Eastern European Jewry. The show focuses on the deeply religious cohesiveness of Jewish communities in exile after exasperated Romans booted them out of their Judean homeland in 79AD. Jewish families settled all over Europe, but never failed in their collective loyalty to their religion. So it is for our Anatevkan Jewish community who ultimately, and with no justification whatsoever are exiled forcibly. They settle mainly in North America where they, amongst other emigres have created some of the greatest movie magnates and musical theatre partnerships on this earth.
Congratulations to the large cast, orchestra and backstage crew who have brought this slice of history to life on stage. It has been a steep learning curve and you have realised the vision of both the Director and Musical Director and breathed life into an other worldly experience, far from what we know.
“Fiddler on the Roof” requires many changes of setting and once again our Deputy Principal (Al Pannett) created and managed the superb settings for the on stage company. We say thank you to the many staff, especially Mrs Laurel Swan in her final production (Property Mistress extraordinaire), who have all contributed their talented services (some for decades), to help ensure our productions are successful. I thank you all.
Jonathan Tucker
Stage Director
(1963 – 2021)