Dane Gibson
Northern News Services

NNSL (Feb 10/99) - A circle of singers tore through Fiddler on the Roof's musical masterpieces Sunday -- and it was only the first rehearsal. Ptarmigan Ptheatrics will present Tolstoy's turn-of-the-century tale to Yellowknife theatre goers late April.

That gives the more than 60 cast and crew time to immerse themselves in their roles.

"Fiddler on the Roof" is difficult vocally and the musical selections are complex," vocal director Leanne Ostrander-Morin said.

"We're starting early because we want to put a strong emphasis on the music."

Former Yellowknife resident Susan Cross flew in from Calgary to help the chorus tune-up.

Acclaimed director Christopher Foreman is taking the reigns and local GNWT employee, Ray Bethke, is playing the lead roll of Tevye.

"Working on the production is fun, it's an opportunity to explore what's possible in community theatre," Bethke said.

"We're all amateurs in this but there's an incredible pool of talent in this town. It really is quite a feat to put this on."

The story surrounds Tevye, the Jewish father of five daughters who are chipping away at his Russian orthodox traditions. Bethke said it's a theme that has resonated across generations.

"(Fiddler on the Roof) has commonalities today because it deals with parents dealing with their children's wants and needs," Bethke said.

"It has a timeless quality to it."

February will be dedicated to practising the music, March covers acting and April is the month to bring it all together.

"There's a very positive attitude going into this," Ostrander-Morin said.

"We had a great turnout for auditions which says a lot about the community."