Performing like a fiddler on a roof

The musical “Fiddler on the Roof” based on stories by Sholem Aleichem was performed by Hewlett High School students Nov. 19-22.
A story about tradition in early 20th century Russia, Jews and Christians live together — and fall in love — in Anatevka. Tevye, the town’s milkman and father to five daughters, attempts to maintain the Jewish custom of matching his daughters with their husbands. As the story unfolds, the community becomes more anti-Semitic and this changes the way of life for the people of Anatevka.
The production was a team effort of faculty, parents and students. Walter Lastowski served as overall director. Eric Williams was the musical director. Walter Lastowski designed and built all of the scenery with a team of parents and students. Anthony Santanastaso was in charge of sound design. Andrew Fund and Jim Dragovich prepared the student instrumentalists. Jessica Choi, a 2014 Hewlett High graduate, reprised her role from last school year as a stage manager and helped build scenery.
“Fiddler on the Roof” was chosen because it’s a wonderful show and despite its popularity, a lot of children today aren’t familiar with it, said Mara Santanastaso, the dialogue and blocking director for the musical.
“We choose a show to do each year that is going to showcase our talented music students and make them successful,” she said. “We want to give them an experience they will remember for the rest of their lives.”