The four actors playing the leads in the Muny Opera’s production of “Fiddler On The Roof” are all Jewish and they all find special meaning in their roles. That was one of the insights they shared during a behind the scenes panel discussion held Sunday, July 21 at the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum.
“This is the most universal story ever written,” said Cheryl Stern, who plays Yente. “It speaks to everyone. And that’s what I feel every night. You feel it from the audience no matter what religion they are.”
Samantha Massell, who plays Tzeitel, said “I feel like this is the time to be telling this story. And to tell it on such a large stage and in such a welcoming community feels very impactful. I went on Birthright in 2009. We were all putting prayers on the Western Wall. I didn’t know what to write. But I knew ‘Fiddler.’ And I wrote the lyrics to the Sabbath Prayer on a little piece of paper.
“’Fiddler’ in many ways was my introduction to Judaism and my culture and my history,” Massell said. “My family left Europe the same year that ‘Fiddler’ is set. So in a moment where antisemitism is rising and I feel very aware of who I am, to get to do this show right now is uplifting and impactful and I’m very grateful.”
The panel discussion was a partnership with the JCC, the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, the Staenberg Family Foundation and the Holocaust Museum. The Muny Opera was also an integral part of the event. “Fiddler On The Roof” is currently playing at the Muny and runs through July 25.
The “Fiddler” actors praised the production staff at the Muny for catering to their needs and making it an especially welcoming host theater for them.
Jill Abramovitz (who plays Golde): “The Muny is the Canyon Ranch of theater. They treat their actors so beautifully. Every need is anticipated. We feel valued. We feel supported.”
Cheryl Stern: “Our stage manager is extraordinary. Everyone who works at the Muny is there to help us every second. We’re very blessed to be here.”
Samantha Massell: “I think what’s really special about this show in particular is that it’s so much about family, and not only is the Muny such an extraordinary family and an amazing place, we’ve all come from such different families in Anatevka in different productions, and we came together very quickly. This has really been an extraordinary group of people.”
