Penn-Trafford Drama Guild will bring 'tradition' to the stage with 'Fiddler on the Roof'

A show steeped with tradition is “a perfect match” for Penn-Trafford High School’s 50th anniversary, according to spring musical director Tom Bekavac.

The Penn-Trafford Drama Guild will perform “Fiddler on the Roof” this April.

The Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of a Jewish family that faces cultural changes and persecution in 1905 Russia. Opening on Broadway in 1964, “Fiddler on the Roof” is lauded for songs like “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Matchmaker,” “Sunrise, Sunset” and “Tradition.”

This is the first time in more than 30 years that the high school will stage this show.

Bekavac believes its “big cast, great music and fun story” fit the drama guild well.

“This is such an iconic, historical show in the musical theater world,” Bekavac said.

Phelan Newman, a junior at Penn-Trafford, will play Golde, the wife of poor milkman Tevye and mother of five daughters. Newman said she enjoys the complexity of Golde’s character and the family dynamics present in the musical.

Newman is excited to perform in front of a live audience this year.

The coronavirus pandemic delayed Penn-Trafford’s 2020 performance of “Footloose.” The students eventually streamed 12 songs from the musical in August 2020.

In 2021, the drama guild performed its rendition of “Working” remotely.

A live audience is preferable for performers, Bekavac said. It allows the students to “feed off the energy” of the audience.

Newman hopes for a packed crowd.

“It’s going to be exhilarating, especially being in a leading position,” she said. “It’s unreal to perform a role you enjoy in front of a lot of people.”

Newman is especially excited to perform for one audience member — her grandfather, who grew up in a Jewish neighborhood of the Bronx and would watch the musical “all the time.”

She thinks “Fiddler on the Roof” is a classic that transcends generations.

The cast will perform at 7:30 p.m. April 1, 2, 8 and 9 and at 3 p.m. April 3 and 10 in Penn-Trafford’s Performing Arts Center.

Tickets cost $15, and $12 for students, children, seniors, military personnel and veterans.