What’s a Sitzoprobe? (Pronounced “sits probe”) A sitzprobe is a German word that means sitting down and singing with an orchestra and that’s just what the cast of Fiddler on the Roof did this afternoon. This special rehearsal is the first time the actors and musicians get to work together. In a rehearsal room at Charleston Southern University the 40 cast members of Fiddler on the Roof sat down with the 35 members of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, this afternoon to sing and play through the entirescore. The sound was wunderbar (wonderful)! Sitting down in a room with 75 people to play and sing through one of the most beloved Broadway scores of all time was quite an experience. From Tradition to Sunrise, Sunset to Matchmaker, Matchmaker the room was alive with these soaring melodies.
I realized how incredibly fortunate we are to have the entire Charleston Symphony in the pit for Fiddler for it is so rare these days to hear a musical played by a full symphony. Even on Broadway, orchestras of 10-20 are the norm today and we have the entire 35 players of the Charleston Symphony playing for this production.
Conducted by Charleston Stage Music Director Wendell Smith, the music soared and soared and soared! And what a sound! The cast’s voices were enchanting and magical enriched by all those musicians including such special touches as accordian and mandolin, instruments added to the Symphony just for this production. 
Next, the Symphony joins us for two dress rehearsals later in the week and then it’s opening night on Friday! I can’t wait to see the show onstage with lights, sets and costumes which will all be the icing on the cake for this gorgeous musical. If you haven’t gotten your tickets for this special production don’t delay. Tickets are going fast.!
Julian Wiles, Producing Artistic Director