The Black Hills State University Theatre Department will open its season with "Fiddler on the Roof," a collaboration with the BHSU Music Department, in the newly renovated Woodburn Theatre on the second floor of Woodburn Hall. Performances are scheduled for Oct. 9, 10, 16, and 17 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 11 and 18 at 2 p.m. The production is directed by Dr. Nancy Roberts, with musical direction by Dr. Jonathon Nero and Roberts.
Based on Sholom Aleichem’s stories about Tevye and his daughters, this beloved musical takes place in the small, tradition-steeped village of Anatevka, where Jewish and Russian communities live in delicate balance. Over the course of the show, Tevye and his community embrace and challenge tradition as his daughters grow up and fall in love during a time of extraordinary change.
"Our first show of the season will be in the newly renovated theatre which includes a cast of community members, BHSU students, as well as middle and elementary school students. The talent this year is some of the best we have had in a long time, and I can’t wait for them to shine," said Casey Hibbert, theatre instructor at BHSU.
The performance will feature Hibbert as Tevye, Sharon Thompson as Golde, Rylann Olson as Tzeitel, Hailey Westbrook as Hodel, Jordyn Miles as Chava, Stella Jackson as Sprintze, Talia Thompson as Bielke, Ellen Plocek as Yente, Ayden Reed as Motel, Owen Sullivan as Perchik, Jim Miles as Lazar Wolf, Emmet Peabody as Mordcha, John Alsup as Rabbi, Brandt Miles as Mendel, Eliza Dosch as Grandma Tzeitel, Jim Roberts as Avram, Clark Ott as Nachum, Katie Zerbst as Fruma-Sarah, Scott Kennedy as Constable, Cyrus Lyons as Fyedka, Melita Quinonez as Shaindel, and Killian Mechaley as The Fiddler.
The cast of villagers will feature Alyx Kohut, Emerson Quinonez, Issac Berberick, Seth Dobra, Cambell Quinonez, Conner Brunick, Stephen Linman, Lydia Derksen, Abby Studt, Kaitlyn Roth, Natalia Alsup, Elliot Quinonez, Savannah Miles, Rehgan Larson, Mechaley, Halle Uphoff, and Caylie Johnson.
Tickets are $27 for adults, $20 for seniors and military, and $15 for youth (K-12) and non-BHSU students. BHSU students, faculty, staff, and children 5 and under may attend for free.
Following "Fiddler on the Roof," the Theatre Department will continue its season with student-directed productions and a reimagined Shakespeare classic.
"There are so many things to be excited about, amazing new technology, bigger sets and even student-led productions," said Hibbert. "Two of our productions this year are student-directed; they have been working hard over the last few years and are ready to showcase their talents as directors."
In November, the Theatre Department will present "Endgame," directed by BHSU student Owen Vaughn. Performances will be held at the Black Box Theatre in Woodburn Hall on the weekends of Nov. 6 and 13.
The spring semester begins with “Those Who Remain Turn the Pages,” directed by BHSU student Aiden Whitley. Performances will be held at the Black Box Theatre through the weekends of March 4 and 11.
The last performance of the season will be a reimagined production of William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," edited, adapted, and directed by Hibbert. Performances will be held at the Woodburn Theatre on the weekends of April 9 and 16.
"I am looking forward to everything this semester, but I am most excited for the students to take the lead on two of our shows this season. I am excited for them to break out and come into their own as theatre artists. We have an amazing group of storytellers, and I look forward to seeing the creative things they come up with," said Hibbert.
Tickets for these performances can be purchased online at BHSU.edu/BoxOffice or at the door.