Fiddler on the Roof…the 2nd time around…I’m Patrick, one of the 5 resident actors at Charleston Stage this season, and I am part of the huge undertaking that is Fiddler on the Roof. We open this week! Ah! The rehearsal process has certainly flown by and we’re about to put it all COMPLETELY together tonight…sets, lights, costumes, and the unbelievable Charleston Symphony. I feel pumped and ready to go. It’s hard to believe that almost 4 years ago I was getting ready to open this show, but for another theatre. This would be the 3rd show I have gotten to do twice and every time I am always so fascinated by all the different ways the same show can be approached. I played the Russian, Fyedka, the first time and will be playing Motel, the tailor in Charleston Stage’s production. There were scenes that I always admired and wanted very much to be a part of when I did it 4 years ago, but couldn’t because I was a Russian. I didn’t even get to do the famous opening number, Tradition! But now I am a proud Anatevka villager. Playing Motel for Charleston Stage has given me the chance to feel the other side of the story. It isn’t easy for Motel at first to gain Tevye’s respect and blessing to marry his eldest daughter, Tzeitel, but he ultimately wins Tevye over and he and Tzeitel are married. The entire wedding sequence was also another major part of the story that I was not in when I played Fyedka, so getting to experience the moment of ultimate tradition and community is absolutely thrilling. Everyone singing Sunrise, Sunset is so incredibly powerful. I even find myself getting a bit teary in that scene…yes…that’s right….TEARY. I said it. When you hear them all and with the symphony…you will understand. Fiddler the first time around brought a lot of fun, but being a part of such wonderful numbers like Tradition and Sunrise, Sunset in Charleston Stage’s production has made me appreciate the beauty of this show even more.
Patrick Tierney is a member of Charleston Stage’s Professional Resident Acting Company