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“Fiddler on the Roof,” the classic tale of a Jewish man with five daughters and his struggle to maintain tradition in the midst of persecution, is being performed by the Clayton Youth Theater this weekend at the Clayton Center.
“’Fiddler on the Roof’ is a name people are familiar with, and we’re very excited about it,” said director Nikki Dyke. “There’s a lot involved – dealing with the historical issues, a complicated set – it’s a big undertaking, but the kids have done marvelously. I think people will be impressed with the quality of show kids from their community are capable of producing.”
The cast is comprised of 27 students from grades 7 through 12, as well as five crew members.
Jordan Clifton, a 2010 West Johnston High School graduate, is tackling the lead role of Tevye, a role made iconic by Zero Mostel on Broadway and Topol on film. It’s a task he says is a little intimidating, but exciting for the challenge of it.
“I think it’s a story the audience can relate to, with Tevye trying to instill tradition into his daughters. We all have our own tradition and customs we follow in our own families today,” he said. “And it’s amazing that I can get onstage and be somebody I wouldn’t normally be at all. I can take on a new persona and turn him into whatever I feel he should be.”
And Clifton is no stranger to the stage. He’s been portraying roles onstage since middle school through school productions and theater groups in Raleigh, Garner and Benson. This is his fourth show with the Clayton Youth Theater. He plans to attend Catawba College this fall to study musical theater and theater education.
“It’s bittersweet. I know I’ll go on to do great stuff in college, but this is one of the best community theaters in Johnston County, and I’ll be sad to leave it,” he said.
In addition to the acting experience he’s gained, Clifton said he and other cast members have received cross training in set design, costume design and lighting. The entire cast will be putting in about 30 hours of rehearsal time this week in preparation for the weekend of shows.
“The level of talent in these students is exceptional,” said Dyke. “You can expect a quality performance, a beautiful set and talented young people. The show tackles a heavy topic, but it’s done with eloquence, and there are some lighthearted moments. It’s a show the whole family can enjoy for an inexpensive night out. It will be a pleasant evening for sure.”
Music for the show will be provided by a live orchestra for such classics as “Tradition,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” and “Sunrise, Sunset.”
“’Fiddler on the Roof’ is a show that’s entertaining for all ages, whether they’re five or 105,” said Clifton.
Showings are Aug. 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 7 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $11 for adults and $6 for students 18 and under. Tickets may be ordered ahead of time or purchased at the door. To pre-order, contact the Clayton Center Box Office at (919) 553-1737.
A love for the arts
Students come from Clayton, Garner, Cleveland and even Raleigh to participate in the theater group. Dyke says the group she founded in 2007 has come a long way in the past three years.
Dyke taught English and theater at a high school in Illinois for several years. After moving to North Carolina five years ago, she taught English and theater at Clayton High School and also worked at a drama camp in Raleigh.
“Through these experiences, I thought there needed to be a stronger theater presence in the community,” she said. “There was one where I grew up, and it greatly shaped me and my experiences. It’s an important thing for a community to have. Every community needs a lifelong love for the arts.”
Dyke partnered with the Clayton Center for the group’s rehearsals and productions.
In the summer of 2007, the theater group put on their first show – “Little Shop of Horrors.” Since that time, they’ve put on two shows a year.
The first show was comprised of a cast of around a dozen students – the same number that auditioned. For their last show, Dyke said they had over 40 students audition.
“It took a while for it to grow, but it kind of took on a snowball effect,” she said. “Kids told their friends, the buzz grew and new students became involved. It’s satisfying to see that kind of growth, especially knowing where we came from.”
The theater group is open to students in grades 7 – 12. All of the actors and technical crew are students. Adults serve in mentoring roles, including the director, music director, and choreographer.
Even with student performers, the costs of putting on a show do create challenges for the group.
“We’re a non-profit organization, and in this economy, like just about everything, arts funding is down,” said Dyke. “We really need an audience. And we’re always interested in sponsorships from individuals and businesses wanting to help the arts.”
Dyke has also had requests from younger students looking for theater opportunities in the area. She and the theater members hosted a Backstage Pass event on July 29, where 25 1st through 6th graders attended a behind the scenes peek at what goes into producing a show. Each of the students was paired up with a cast member. They were taught the choreography and music for the show’s opening number, then performed what they had learned.
“It was really a fun day. We planted that seed, and it’s gotten them excited about theater,” said Dyke.
And although Dyke said not everyone can make a career out of their performances, the skills they learn can be applied in any setting.
“It’s a tough thing to make a career out of. Not everyone is Broadway bound, but the theater arts can be a very active part of your life,” she said. “This is giving them that moment in the spotlight, but it is also building confidence and public speaking skills. It can help them in whatever path they choose.”
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