12/13/2016 by Leslie Metzger
Rejoice high school drama students brought beloved Fiddler on the Roof characters to life at their RHS musical in December 2016.
Seniors Daniel Johnson and Brynn Jones played two of the leads, husband Tevye and wife Golde. They were joined by a spectacular cast of their peers.
“This year of drama has meant so much to me,” Johnson said. “After the show, everyone in the cast and in the audience were so nice to me and made me feel so loved, appreciated, and like they were family. It’s going to be hard to leave, and that’s why it’s so bittersweet, but this has definitely been my favorite production, cast, and experience with Rejoice Drama.”
Johnson participated in Rejoice Drama his entire high school career.
“So to me, I guess you could say it was… tradition!” he added. “I’ve loved growing with this group of people – they’re like my family – and I haven’t just seen them grow. I’ve grown with them, and I love everyone in drama, first-year or veteran.”
“Being a part of Fiddler as a senior is a very bittersweet experience for me,” Jones added. “This cast, this department is my family. I love them with all of my being. Knowing these people has been a blessing unlike any other.”
The chemistry of the entire cast was evident throughout the performances. Perfectly memorized lines, real emotion effortlessly presented to the audience, and overall passion for the characters they portrayed are just a few descriptions of the tremendous performances. It was the depth of the character that appealed most to Johnson.
“I’ve never got to yell so much in my life,” he said. “I got to make a lot of funny noises and use every bit of my vocal range, from yelling at Golde to muttering to God. It was so much fun to play with sounds and volume and make an overall dynamic character, plus most of his lines were hilarious.
“I also loved the more subdued parts, like when Tevye’s in utter defeat after his daughter leaves for a Russian. I loved going deep inside my mind and trying to reach what it would feel like if something like that happened to me, and I was completely heartbroken. Honestly, he was just a vocal playground, an emotional powerhouse, and I’m so glad I got the opportunity to portray him.”
The cast practiced over 200 hours in preparation for their performances.
“I am extremely proud of our students,” said RHS Drama Teacher Roberta Eberhard. “Their hard work and dedication are a testament to their character. This entire experience was a huge success. Of course it is a bonus when our audiences enjoy themselves, but my ultimate goal is for each student to walk away from this class feeling confident and valued.”
Fiddler on the Roof was the first musical or play to grace the brand new Rejoice Auditorium stage. Over 1,000 guests came to one of the historical performances.
“Being our first musical in the new Auditorium, I felt some pressure,” Eberhard said. “I wanted it to be a success for the students, but also for the legacy this show would leave. We want to continue in the tradition of producing quality, Christ-like entertainment for the entire family.”
“I am so honored to be a part of the cast of the first play ever in this Auditorium,” Jones added. “I think this play, this message and presentation, was the perfect beginning to a very full future for this department.
“I am very thankful for every experience the Lord has given me as a drama student at Rejoice. The opportunities offered in this department are a rare thing in any school, let alone a Christian school. I am very thankful for everything Rejoice has done to help me develop in all aspects of my life, but the drama department has helped my growth immensely.”
Johnson wanted to thank Mrs. Eberhard for her help throughout the entire process.
“Not only did she have literal never-ending patience with us and our silliness, but the show would not have been such a success without her,” he said. “The cast and stage crew were phenomenal, don’t get me wrong, but Mrs. Eberhard is the real hero. She believed in all of us and always encouraged us to become the best we could be. Thank you so much, Mrs. Eberhard. We love you.”
