Staten Island’s Summer Theater Shines Again with “Fiddler on the Roof”
The curtains have risen once more in Staten Island, marking the return of the borough’s summer theater for the first time since the pandemic began nearly five years ago. The cast, composed of families and friends, is embracing this revival like a joyous family reunion.
This year’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof” features a cast made up of ten families who are leveraging their close ties to authentically portray the quaint Russian village of Anatevka on the stage of the CUNY College of Staten Island.
“It was vital for me to bring in the connections I had while growing up to create a personal bond among us,” stated Bronwyn Fugate, the director and choreographer of the show. “Many cast members are community theater alumni who grew up immersed in theater with family involvement.”
Fugate remarked on how these performers often watched their parents engage in various roles, from technical design to acting, solidifying their commitment to the project. “It was only natural to gather these individuals as our Anatevka community, as they embody its essence.”
Over 90 individuals auditioned for the production, with 46 selected along with an orchestra of ten musicians.
Since late May, the cast and crew have engaged in rigorous rehearsals five days a week, preparing for an opening night set for July 31. Despite the demanding schedule, participants are treating this project as a homecoming, particularly those sharing the stage with family members.
BJ High, who is 46, expressed his pride in portraying the lead character Tevye, alongside both his wife and son. “We practice lines at home, whether in the kitchen, the pool, or even in bed,” shared High, a retired NYPD officer. He reminisced about meeting his wife, Christie, during a 1998 performance of “The Most Happy Fella.”
“Our family often engages in acting exercises, even during drives; it’s a wonderful bonding experience,” he added.
The significance of the play’s themes, which deal with holding onto tradition amidst social change, has added depth to the experience.
Peter Ascolese, the costume designer, emphasized, “The story centers on family and tradition, making it an ideal match for this cast, who share a rich history together. When I saw the cast list, I knew I wanted to contribute.”
This season’s performance is dedicated to Jennifer Straniere, who oversaw the performing arts program at the College of Staten Island for 18 years before her passing in June 2021. "Fiddler on the Roof" was a cherished choice for Straniere, as it was her favorite, making it especially meaningful for the community.
Father and daughter are both returning to the stage this summer, bringing along Straniere’s granddaughter. Katie Micha, who plays Chava, Tevye’s youngest daughter, described their involvement as a “family affair,” performing alongside her aunt and cousins.
“It’s one of my all-time favorite musicals. The music is incredible, and I’m thrilled to be part of this production,” Micha expressed.
She concluded by noting, “It’s amazing to see the Staten Island theater community uniting. We’ve all known each other for years, and our families are closely connected.”
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