Date: Fri 02-Aug-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: CHRISL

Illustration: C

Quick Words:

Fiddler-Barlow-Post-Knapp

Full Text:

(preview/feature on "Fiddler on The Roof" at Barlow Summer Theatre, 8/2/96)

A Summer Theatre Moves North

(with photo)

By June April

REDDING - "There's trouble, right here in River City..." sang the Music Man,

and his solution to the town's problems was, of course, music.

That is one answer to capture and excite young people's interest and talent.

Another is theater , especially musicals. It is a great builder of

self-confidence.

Auditions for Fiddler on the Roof , the first project of Barlow Summer Theatre

(formerly New Canaan Summer Theatre), were June 12-14 at Joel Barlow High for

any actor or actress, ages 16-24.

"We had hoped for a cast of 100," producer/set designer Andrew Knapp said

during a recent rehearsal leading to the company's opening next Thursday.

"Lord knows where we would have put them all. In fact, almost ninety people

auditioned.

"They were all very good," Mr Knapp continued, "but some dropped out, so now

we have seventy, plus committed performers." The producer further noted that

because nearly half the cast is under four feet tall, "they take up less

space." Ha ha.

The three forces behind Barlow Summer Theater are Newtown residents. Along

with the aforementioned Knapp, Sabrina Post and George Vollano are also

wearing producer's hats. Each possesses a love of theatre and music, plus a

wealth of experience within the theatre world.

Sabrina Post, choral teacher at Joel Barlow High, approached Mr Vollano and Mr

Knapp to produce a summer youth theatre under the aegis of the regional high

school. The production is part of the summer school program.

The producers have a shared history dating to the New Canaan Summer Theatre,

which did spectacular musicals for twenty years. Owing to numerous problems

and the offer to create a similar program in Redding, the three have rejoined

forces, further north.

The challenge now moves beyond the walls of the auditorium, to the community

at large to support this wonderful program. That support calls for audiences

and financial donations.

Beginning August 8 and running through August 11, the young people, some from

as far away as Stamford, will entertain with song and dance the legendary

Broadway musical, Fiddler on the Roof . Musicals in particular offer

opportunities to develop many talents, both behind scenes as well as in front

of the foot lights. The lavish productions that are synonymous with producers

Vollano and Knapp are also renown for their quality. They are very serious

when they state their motto: "Do a show right."

"Andy and George set standards for us to achieve, and they were wonderful to

work with," observed Deirdre Madigan, now an Actors Equity member.

The goal of summer theater is to create an educational work environment under

the guidance of experienced professionals.

"It is also our goal," Mr Knapp added, "to make it an enjoyable experience."

Joel Barlow students who have worked with Mrs Post on other shows at the high

school have found the vivacious woman a delight to work with, and a

wonderfully supportive mentor.

Owing to the large cast, only a few names of some of the more major roles can

be mentioned here: Fritz Harris is Tevye the milkman; Rachel Greenberg is his

wife, Golde; Brook Kleinman plays the eldest daughter, Tzeital; Katie Kaufmann

is Hodel; Nicole D'Aureli, Chava; Seth Fradkoff will perform the role of

Motel; Shawn Surgue will play Perchik; Richard Powell has landed the part of

Fyedka; Jessica Levai is the irrepressible Yente; and Tyler Hewes will appear

as Lazar Wolf.

Music will be under the able baton of David F. Wicks, and costumes are being

created by Masha Watson. Lighting design is under the skilled hands of Ronald

Morse and Jim Nugent is the master carpenter.

As mentioned, Sabrina Post, George Vollano and Andrew Knapp are the three

producers, with Mr Knapp's special gifts as set designer his primary focus. Mr

Vollano's ability to direct, as Ms Madigan described, will make the actors

flow around the stage. Ms Post's choreographic and vocal talents will lend a

special spirit to the evening.

Tickets offer reserved seating, so advance orders are being encouraged.

Curtain is 7:30 pm for Thursday through Saturday, August 8-10; 2 pm Sunday,

August 11. Tickets are $10 or $15 each.

Reservations can be made at 426-3025 or 426-7941. Remaining tickets will be

offered for sale at the door.