Cathedral breaks from ‘Tradition’
Cathedral to perform 'Fiddler on the Roof'
Tevye, played by Jack Griebel (second from right) introduces Perchik, played by August Pekrul (far right) to his daughters, played by Molly Grossmann, Addison Huls, Matilda Klawitter, Emilee Krueger, and Molly Griebel (far left to third from right.) Photo by Dylan Jackson
Jack Griebel performing his character Tevye's song "If I Were a Rich Man." Photo by Dylan Jackson
Tevye, played by Jack Griebel (second from right) introduces Perchik, played by August Pekrul (far right) to his daughters, played by Molly Grossmann, Addison Huls, Matilda Klawitter, Emilee Krueger, and Molly Griebel (far left to third from right.) Photo by Dylan Jackson
Jack Griebel performing his character Tevye's song "If I Were a Rich Man." Photo by Dylan Jackson
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NEW ULM – Cathedral is switching things up, bringing "Fiddler on the Roof" to State Street Theatre Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The serious tone of the musical is a complete flip from their previous production.
"It's not a happy musical. Last year we did "High School Musical" which was completely the opposite," Director and Producer Michael Koester said. "[It was] modern and they understood the references."
Fiddler on the roof takes place in the small Russian village of Antaevka in 1905.
"This is old, it's in a different country, and it's very mature, deep themes,” Koester said, "I'm very impressed with how they've embraced that."
Koester credits his cast for being able to put on a production with a heavier tone.
"At a high school level you kinda have to typecast because you have to know who's going to audition. If you don't have a good Tevye, don't do Fiddler," Koester said. "Our senior (Jack Griebel,) I asked him 'are you up for the challenge' and he was all over it."
To prepare for the play, cast members talked with New Ulm author Vicki Pieser.
"We actually spoke with Vicki Pieser and her husband Ben to know some of the Jewish traditions because the play is about Jewish culture," Hair and Makeup Director Tammy Klawitter said.
Pieser is the author of the book "Jews in Germantown" which explores the history of Brown County's Jewish community.
Costume Director Margaret Blomberg, who joined Cathedral productions at the same time as Klawitter nearly a decade ago, said that the most important part of preparing the costumes for "Fiddler on the Roof" is understanding Russian history.
"Understanding the history and the time period that the story took place is the big piece of it, so understanding what people wore back then and the different customs and cultures in Russia at that time," Blomberg said.
Although the play has serious tones, it is not without humor.
Lead actor Jack Griebel, who plays the main character Tevye, said his favorite part of playing Tevye is getting into the comedic side of his character.
"My guy on stage is a pretty comedic guy so I enjoy saying some of his lines," Griebel said.
Griebel's comedic delivery does not get in the way of an accurate portrayal of the time period. He has put lots of effort into understanding the Jewish faith and traditions associated with it.
Tevye's wife, Golde, is played by Thea Paszkiewicz. This will be her sixth production with Cathedral.
"My favorite part is getting to yell at Tevye because we are pretty good friends on stage," Paszkiewicz said.
August Pekrul, who plays Perchik, also enjoys the social element that countless hours of production preparation brings.
"The most fun part is being able to hang out with my friends on stage and being able to interact with them in different ways than I normally would," Pekrul said.
"Fiddler on the Roof" marks Pekrul's first time acting in a Cathedral production. Prior to this show, he has served as head tech for both Cathedral and community theatre.
Acting brings about different struggles. Pekrul said that choreography has been difficult because the dances in the play are pretty complex. His favorite dance is the opener, "Tradition."
Catherine (Cat) Evans, who plays both Grandma Tzietel and Shaindel, also approaches acting from a different angle.
"I am a band kid through and through, so trying to get dancing down the past few years has been challenging," Evans said.
She joined theatre in her sophomore year. This will be Evans' third show.
A background in band has been beneficial to Evans, who said that it has helped her keep the beat and keep up with the songs.
"We have a dynamite cast of leads that have been with me for a while so I trust them," Koester said.
All shows will be at State Street Theatre. Friday's performance begins at noon. Saturday's show is at 7 p.m. Sunday's show is at 2 p.m.