Sligo Drama Circle Presents Fiddler on the Roof

There are no shortage of superlatives to describe a fascinating stage show but choosing the right one to fit Sligo Drama Circle’s presentation of “Fiddler on the Roof”, which begins an eleven night run at the Town Hall on Sunday night is a little difficult. Quite frankly, the show is the most spectacular stage production ever to be presented in Sligo. An exploration of that apparent idle boast reveals months of hard and dedicated work, culminating in a show which is thoroughly family entertainment. “Fiddler on the Roof” has already enjoyed mammoth success as a film and stage show so the ‘plot’ will not be totally unfamiliar to Sligo people. Nor will the stamp of class which has become a traditional hallmark of all Sligo Drama Circle presentations.

The ingredients then are exciting – an enchanting subject; an experienced production team backed up by an equally capable cast and the bubbling enthusiasm of the many young actors making their first stage appearance – and added to all that the show contains a fair sprinkling of memorable songs. Sligo Drama Circle ventured into the musical field in a big way for last year’s presentation of “Oklahoma” and the outstanding success of that show has set a high standard for this year’s presentation. But producer, Liam Mc Kinney, has assembled an even stronger cast for “Fiddler” and the show looks certain to surpass the success of “Oklahoma”. Based on the books by Joseph Steun, the “Fiddler” follows the trials and tribulations of a Jewish family in Imperial Russia, and the music of Sheldon Hernick and Jerry Rock really brings the production to life.

Among the many superb song in the show are “If I Were a Rich Man”; “Tradition”; “Sunrise Sunset”; “To Life”; “Sabbath Prayer”; “Miracle of Miracles”; “The Tailor Motel Kamsul”; “Do You Love Me”; “Far From The Home I Love” and “the unforgettable “Matchmaker Matchmaker”. The lead role of Tevye, the father of the family, is played by Kieran Hickey, who was greatly acclaimed for his leading role in “A Man For All Seasons” last year, and the role of “Golde”, his wife, is played by Joan Fitzpatrick, who is well known for her many stirring stage performances. Other principal actors are Tony Mc Niffe, Paddy Dooney, Rita Barr, Sheila Horan, Liz Mc Elhone, Mick Kilcoyne, Damien Brennan, Kieran Kelly, Martin Mc Dermottroe, Lionel Gallagher, Kathleen Lindy and Martina Cullen.

Choreography is by Pat O’ Connor and the musical director is Kathleen O’ Hara who will have the Sligo Orchestra under her control. The costumes are by Derry O’ Donovan, Dublin. With a large chorus and dancing team and seventeen scene changes, it was necessary to extend the Town Hall stage so seating will be more limited than usual. There is certain to be heavy demand for tickets so early booking is advisable. Sligo Drama Circle have set up a special booking office at the Yeats Memorial Building, ‘phone (071) 2693 and tickets are £1.30 for adults and 80p for children under twelve years of age. The expense in mounting the show has been enormous and the Drama Circle are grateful to the following sponsors – O’ Connor Brothers; Stag and Maura Quinn. This year a special raffle will be held and everybody who purchases a programme will be entitled to participate A Festival Club in the Grand Hotel has also been arranged and this will be open to Town Hall patrons only.

The show opens on Sunday night and continues on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. There won’t be any presentation on Thursday but “Fiddler” resumes on Friday 19th January and will be stage on Saturday 20th January as well. The show will be presented from Tuesday January 23rd to Saturday January 27th. (inclusive) The curtain rises at 8pm nightly and booking opens on January 8th.

from The Sligo Champion, January 12th, 1979