We just completed a successful and gratifying three weekend run of Fiddler On The Roof, the first such 'more adult' play offered by Ariel. I played a Jewish Russian Papa and a high G non-jewish russian. I got to stand on a table top and hit a sustained high G note, then jump off the table top and sing some more. It was quite fun. The cast was made up of teenagers and adults, all of which did a wonderful job. However, Tevya was played by my good friend and home teaching companion Terry Smith. Here is a copy of an email sent to him. It was a theatrical thrill to listen to him each performance pour his heart and soul into the character. He truly did transform me and all who were privileged to see the production.

Terry, Wednesday August 31, 2011

Now that I am feeling better I just wanted to drop you a final note to tell you how thrilling it was to watch, hear and feel your character representation of Tevya. I told Gail in the beginning I wanted to be involved just to see you play this indelible role. You truly made it your own, but it was more than that. I believe you were able to internalize all the 'stuff' Gail was trying to teach us about the culture of the time and somehow project that 'something more' on stage. I believe she was very pleased with the audience reaction, and though she praised the company, there is no doubt in my mind that you were the reason that it happened at all. You did not just entertain, you moved, you did not just act, you were, and even though the cart spilled over, you made it seem like that was what was supposed to happen.

Thanks for the memories, my friend.

Dave Shipley