Based on Sholem Aleichem stories by special permission of Arnold Perl. Book by JOSEPH STEINMusic by JERRY BOCK Lyrics by SHELDON HARNICKProduced on the New York Stage by Harold Prince. Original New York Stage Production Directed and Choreographed by JEROME ROBBINS

Director: Laurel Koerner

Music Director: Ryan Smit

Choreographer: Robin Suing

October 24, 26, 31, November 1, 2

Te Paske Theatre

There will be one 15-minute intermission

No photography or video allowed

Location: Anatevka, a small village in Russia

Time: 1905, on the eve of the Russian revolutionary period.

Musical Numbers

Act I

“Prologue: "Tradition"

Tevye and Villagers

“Matchmaker”

Tzeitel, Hodel, and Chava

"If I Were a Rich Man"

Tevye

"Sabbath Prayer"

Tevye, Golde, and Villagers

"To Life"

Tevye, Lazar Wolf, Russian Men, and Villagers

"Tevye's Monologue"

Tevye

"Miracle of Miracles"

Motel

"The Dream"

Tevye, Golde, Grandma Tzeitel, the Rabbi, Fruma-Sarah, and Villagers

"Sunrise, Sunset"

Tevye, Golde, Perchik, Hodel, and Villagers

“The Wedding”

The Villagers

Act II

Entr’acte

Orchestra

“Now I Have Everything”

Perchik and Hodel

“Tevye’s Monologue (Reprise)”

Tevye

“Do You Love Me”

Tevye and Golde

“The Rumor”

Yente and the Villagers

“Far From the Home I Love”

Hodel

“Chavaleh”

Tevye

"Anatevka"

The Villagers

Director's Note

This is a story about change. Set in 1905 Russia in an imaginary village called Anatevka, the musical is based on the true experience of Jewish communities in the Pale of Settlement during the rule of Tsar Nicholas II and derived from a collection of Yiddish stories titled Tevye the Dairyman.

Throughout the play, Tevye is confronted with a series of changes. In each instance, he weighs whether to accept or resist what is before him, examining what room there may be for this new possibility within his community’s traditions and his commitment to living faithfully. Each time, he finds there is room; until, as far as Tevye can see, there isn’t: “If I bend that far, I will break.” Meanwhile, with revolution brewing, pressures from outside the village are threatening to fragment it. How deep is the well of tradition? How broad is the interpretation of the text? How big is the table? Tevye begins to recognize, one growing child at a time, what he can and cannot control. Love might look like a loosening grip. Then, in the cold shadow of the inevitable, he begins to see that taking hold of the ties that bind, once cut in the name of doing the right thing, is the right thing.

This story’s themes are universal: the challenges of bringing up the next generation in a world that is changing at an impossible pace; trying to discern what is right; growth versus clinging to the security of old ways; progress versus decline…and how can we know which we are stepping into? This story is also rooted in deeply personal lived experiences that are not our own, and we must humbly acknowledge our limited views of and experiences with that troubled past and present.

“It’s a new world, a new world. Love.” Tevye is speaking of a modern age without their customary arranged marriages, but we can hear in these words the ringing of a bell: a bigger love, another world. What we have broken, God can mend. In Christ, we participate in this regeneration, this making new, even when we don’t know the next right step. Savior, like a shepherd, lead us.

-Laurel Koerner, director

Cast

Select the drop-down arrow next to any of the names to learn more!

Jakob Kamp

as Tevye

Jakob Kamp is a senior at Dordt University, double majoring in Studio Art and Theatre Studies. Fiddler on the Roof is Jakob's sixth acting role in a Dordt mainstage production. Jakob also has experience directing, designing, and acting for studio shows.

Grace Bruin

as Golde

Grace is a sophomore at Dordt studying Art Education, minoring in Theatre Arts, and is also involved in band and choir. She previously appeared on the Dordt stage in The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe as Susan, and in Comedy of Errors as Lady Abbess. She has enjoyed singing, dancing, and acting with this fantastic cast and making new friends! Her favorite part of the show is Tevye's dream!

Eleanor Ryder

as Tzeitel

Eleanor is a junior English-Writing major, minoring in Art and Theatre. She has been involved in all of Dordt's main stage shows since her freshman year, either on-stage or behind. Eleanor is beyond excited to be working with a pit orchestra for the first time in this production. She hopes that you enjoy both the humorous and sentimental parts of the show in equal measure.

Ella Huisinga

as Hodel

Ella is a sophomore music education major who is very excited to be doing a mainstage production here at Dordt! She is involved in band, choir, and jazz, and is very happy to finally be able to work in theater as well. Her favorite part about working on the show is the amazing people she gets to see every day! Ella believes Fiddler on the Roof is a very underappreciated show, so she's very excited for you all to (hopefully) enjoy it!

Callie Mulder

as Chava

Callie is a sophomore English major at Dordt with Spanish and Theatre minors. This is her third show at Dordt! She was previously the Courtesan in The Comedy of Errors and Mrs. Beaver in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Her favorite part of working on Fiddler has been building new relationships with this cast!

Abby Grace Caldwell

as Shprintze

Abby Grace Caldwell is a junior studying K-12 Art Education with a minor in Theatre Arts. She has acted in Dordt University's production of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, One Acts, and the Dance show. Her favorite part about working on Fiddler on the Roof has been the joy that comes from dancing!

Reghan Brown

as Bielke

Reghan is a Sophomore studying History and Digital Media Production. Her favorite part of this production has been the family dynamics on stage. You may have seen her ushering for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe last fall!

Kathryn Prins

as Yente the Matchmaker

Kathryn Prins is a sophomore studying Animal Science at Dordt University. She performed in The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe as an Aslan puppeteer and ran lights for The Comedy of Errors. Her favorite part about working on this show has been developing her character and building relationships within the cast.

Austin Anderson

as Motel

Austin is so thrilled to be in Fiddler on the Roof! He is currently pursuing Graphic Design and loved being able to share his creativity with the team. He has been in 12 High School productions, and Fiddler on the Roof is his 3rd college level production. He loved being able to learn about the show, music, and make hilarious memories too. He feels so blessed to have such great support from friends and his incredible family. Lights up!

Isaiah Ives

as Perchik

Isaiah Ives is a sophomore at Dordt this year. He is an English Education major and has been involved in many of Dordt’s productions including The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and Comedy of Errors. His favorite part of working on the show has been making new friends and getting to know old friends better.

AJ Goetsch

as Lazar Wolf

AJ is a junior civil engineering major from Sioux City, Iowa. He participates in the Dordt University Concert Choir, as well as the 4th Avenue Jazz Choir. When he is not doing homework, AJ likes to go to the gym, thrift stores, and coffee shops. Fiddler on the Roof is AJ’s first production here at Dordt. He enjoys working with the friends he has made during his time in the show.

Clark Stiemsma

as Mordcha the Innkeeper

Clark is a sophomore at Dordt. Last year he was Aslan in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and Antipholus of Ephesus in Comedy of Errors. Clark has really enjoyed learning all the music and choreography for Fiddler on the Roof.

Bennett Van Surksum

as Rabbi

Bennett is a 3rd-year Mechanical Engineering Major. He has been involved with theater production throughout his high school and college life. Some more notable ones to him are Newsies, You Can't Take It with You, and Comedy of Errors.

Seth Rosenberg

as Mendel (the Rabbi's son)

Seth is a Sophomore, Secondary Education Social Science major. He worked on the set for Comedy of Errors and A Doll's House. His favorite part of the show was being around the cast and learning his character.

Athan De Jong

as Avram

Athan De Jong is a senior, studying Public Relations. He acted in Dordt's Comedy of Errors, as well as several student-led films. During Fiddler On The Roof, Athan especially enjoyed dancing with the cast.

Joseph P. Mosley III

as Nahum/Yussel, beggar, bagel baker, fish seller, hat maker

Joseph is in his first college level musical. He has enjoyed being a part of this production, dancing and singing with great company. He was a part of the two other main stages last year and hopes to help out in future ones. He hopes you all enjoy the show and thanks you for coming to see great theatre.

Jocelyn Ridgway

as Grandma Tzeitel, Shaindel (Motel’s mother)

Jocelyn is a senior at Dordt University studying Psychology with a minor in Sociology. She has been involved in many productions including Almost Lifelong, I Never Sang for My Father, Fight for the Ages, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and Comedy of Errors. Her favorite parts about working on Fiddler on the Roof has been the singing, the dancing, and having fun times with the cast!

Mercea Rediger

as Fruma Sarah, Villager

Mercea is a Sophomore Social Work Major minoring in theatre! This is her third Dordt Theatre production she has been involved in, and her favorite so far! She has especially enjoyed getting to do a musical for the first time in college. The best part for her however has been getting to know new people and old even better throughout the process.

Nathan Van Laningham

as Constable, Villager

Nathan is a Senior at Dordt University studying history. He has been a Russian once before in Dordt’s 2023 production of Fight for the Ages. He works behind the scenes as Dordt Theatre’s Shop Foreman and enjoys putting on shows. His favorite part of working on this show would be the accomplishment of the bottle dance with his fellow villagers!

Robert Lund

as Fyedka

Robert is a senior at Dordt University majoring In Environmental Science and a minor in Theater Arts. He has been involved in previous Dordt Theatre Arts shows like The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.

Casey Oolman

as The Fiddler, Villager

Casey is a junior mechanical engineering major from Orange City, Iowa. This is his first role with Dordt theater. He has participated in a variety of high school shows, including The Diary of Anne Frank, Little Women, and The Wizard of Oz and community shows Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella. Casey has been playing violin since fourth grade and went to Iowa All-state in 2018, 2020, and 2021. He now plays in Dordt's chamber orchestra.

Sarah Goetsch

as Villager

Sarah Goetsch is a senior psychology major. She has previously participated in Dordt shows (Stage Manager, The Importance of Being Earnest; Sound Design, A Concise Christmas Carol), and most recently acted in productions at the Sioux City Community Theater (Ensemble, Oliver!, Herself, Every Christmas Story Ever). This show holds great significance for Sarah, as she played Golde in her high school's production of it during her junior year.

Joshua Ezell

as Villager, Sasha the Russian Soldier

Josh is a freshman music education major from Grand Rapids, Michigan. He plays piano and saxophone, and he also sings in choir. This is his first show with Dordt but has previously acted in The Cotton Patch Gospel and The Lion the Witch in the Wardrobe at Master Arts theater and Willy Wonka and Shrek at South Christian High School.

Catherine Janssen

as Villager Boy, Russian Soldier

Catherine is a freshman here at Dordt and is majoring in Elementary Education. This is her first Dordt Theatre Production, but she has been in a multitude of shows like Grease, Newsies, Matilda the Musical, and many more in her home state, North Dakota. Catherine has had a blast being a part of the show and is so happy that she gets to be a part of such and amazing cast! Enjoy the Show!

Kennedy Lange

as Villager Boy, Russian Soldier

Kennedy is a freshman. She has been in many musicals but her top two are Chicago and Peter Pan. Her favorite part about working on Fiddler on the Roof was learning the dances!

Thomas Lund

as Villager, Russian Soldier

Thomas is a senior Computer Science major with a Math minor. He is from Escondido California and has a twin brother in the play (I wonder who). It's his first mainstage with Dordt, and he's very excited to be a part of his first production. His favorite part of working on the show has been the "shenanigans" that the cast has gotten up to during rehearsals.

Orchestra

Conductor

Dr. Ryan Smit

Accordion

Selena Munson

Flute/piccolo

Jessi Rose

English horn, oboe

Audra Kooi

Clarinet

Molly Stiemsma

Bass Clarinet, Clarinet

Amanda Long

Bassoon

Carolyn Rayhons

French Horn

Blake Hoogeveen

Trumpets

Maren Hettinga, Rebecca Jacobsen,

Nathan Adams

Trombone

Xander Quist

Violins

Jennifer Frens, Carmen Lodewyk,

Kirbee Nykamp, Kaeley Meyer

Viola

Derek Friend

Cello

Brett Van Gelder

Bass

Aidan Kraft

Piano

Kate Noteboom

Percussion

Tessa Brouwer

Creative Team

Select the drop-down arrow next to any of the names to learn more!

Laurel Koerner

Director

Laurel Koerner is a Professor of Theatre Arts. She has directed 20 full-length plays and produced numerous student shows and live events. She enjoys working with student actors in the classroom and rehearsal studio, mentoring student directors, designing, and coaching performers. Laurel holds an MFA in Acting from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) and an MA in Theatre from Bowling Green State University.

Director's Vision:

This musical is a celebration of community. It is a picture of love that expands through a close walk with God, and of the challenges of living faithfully under hard circumstances. It invites us to bear witness to the worst of human impulses, while persevering in hope and being drawing toward a more loving view of our neighbors. We want to offer a beautiful experience that carries the audience through a range of emotions, with moments of sweet tenderness and others of heartbreak, with sparks of humor and delight in the joy of living throughout.

Dr. Ryan Smit

Music Director

Dr. Ryan Smit, Music Director, is a native of Churchill, Montana and has served as Director of Choral Activities at Dordt University, his alma mater, since 2017. In 2018 he was the music director for Dordt’s production of My Fair Lady. He holds a master’s degree in Choral Music Education from Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ) and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Conducting from North Dakota State University (Fargo, ND). He previously taught high school choir at Mountain Ridge High School (Glendale, AZ) and Lynden Christian School (Lynden, WA). During this time, he also served as music director for fifteen different musicals including Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera, Aida, Wizard of Oz, Fiddler on the Roof, The Sound of Music, Mary Poppins, and others. He has been invited to direct choral festivals and clinics in Washington, Alaska, Thailand, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Ryan lives in Sioux Center, Iowa with his wife Amie; they have two grown children, Caleb and Emilyn.

Creative Vision:

The songs and orchestral score for Fiddler on the Roof are among the best in the entire Broadway musical genre. My hopes for this production are that it will introduce a new generation to Fiddler's artful songwriting and creative orchestration as well as help experienced musical lovers fall in love with this show all over again.

Robin Suing

Choreographer

Marketing

Photographer

Robin is in her 10th year at Dordt as the Theatre office and marketing manager and dance instructor. She holds an M.A. in Dance Education from UNC. When not in the theatre, she’s behind the camera with her side hustle (www.robinsuingphoto.com) 😉 or with her family of boys and two dogs. If she’s not at the theatre, you’ll probably find her at a hockey rink! Robin is grateful to her family for their amazing support on this adventure called life!

Creative Vision:

In my roles as choreographer, marketing manager, and photographer for Fiddler on the Roof, I’ve embraced a full-circle creative vision. My choreography blends classic Jerome Robbins movements with fresh, original choreography tailored to our students and the unique spatial challenges of Te Paske Theatre, including navigating the pit orchestra’s space. I aimed for movements that feel both natural and attainable for our cast while capturing the vibrant energy of the show. Some of my favorite pieces to work on have been "To Life," "The Dream," and the Wedding Dances—though, honestly, I love working on all of them!

In marketing, my deep connection to Fiddler made it easy to highlight moments worth celebrating. Being both the choreographer and photographer allows me to capture key rehearsal photos, headshots, and production shots that bring out the heart of the show. Knowing the production so well from a choreography perspective strengthens my ability to showcase it through my photography and marketing efforts. It’s been a rewarding, full-circle creative journey!

Madeline Hofer

Stage Manager

Madeline Hofer is a junior digital media major with a business minor. Last Year she acted in the One Acts and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. She also helped as an assistant costume designer for Comedy of Errors. Over her past couple of years at Dordt, she has stage-managed, operated the light board, and built costumes for shows. Her favorite part of the Fiddler on the Roof process so far has been getting to know the cast.

Creative Process:

A stage manager's job in a show is one part art and two parts organization. The artistic part of a stage manager's work is ensuring performances flow as smoothly as possible. While Smit may be conducting the music, I'm conducting everything else from lights and sound to scenic changes (with the help of my lovely assistant stage managers). The organizational part of being a stage manager includes making charts and paperwork; everything from attendance sheets to safety protocols. The Stage Manager may have a lot to do during the production but it is well worth it to get to work with and see all the extremely talented individuals, from the orchestra, to the box office, to the designers.

Marika Moore

Assistant Stage Manager

Marika Moore is a freshman majoring in English: Writing and Literature. She has been involved in a high school production of The Little Mermaid Jr., as well as student-created musicals through elementary and middle school. Marika's favorite thing about working on Fiddler on the Roof has been watching the show come together and becoming a part of the theatre community.

Creative Vision:

When I accepted this position, I had a very limited idea of what an assistant stage manager does. I only knew that I wanted to gain experience in theatre and learn what truly goes into a college stage production. Now, my vision for my role as an assistant stage manager is to not only help the stage manager, but to anticipate the needs of the cast, crew, and others, and help the show to run smoothly and efficiently. I hope to learn about all of the numerous facets of a stage production and become skilled in my responsibilities.

Cannon Taussig

Assistant Stage Manager

Cannon is in his Freshman year with a Major in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. He has not been in any other productions but he is excited to be here! His favorite part about working on this show is the opportunity to see such talented people at work and observe the full process of a show, not just the final product.

Creative Vision:

My goal was to be as helpful as I can be, and I am accomplishing this through being attentive to what is going and addressing the needs as they arise.

Jonathan Sabo

Scenic Design & Lighting Design

Jonathan Sabo recently retired as full professor of theatre at Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio. He earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in scene design from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. Last season, he designed scenery, lighting, and projections for Dordt University’s production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and lighting for Comedy of Errors. Jennifer and Jonathan live in Mishawaka, IN.

Creative Vision:

Initial ideas were centered on transition and the precarious nature of the Jewish community not only in Anatevka and during this time period, but as a nation throughout history. Then, the costume designer presented her research on the work of Marc Chagall and that changed everything. The setting now shows the influence of Chagall's work and the beauty of the collaborative nature of the art of theatre!

Becky Donahue

Costume Design

Production Manager

Becky is a seasoned artist with a rich career in the performing arts, including design, choreography, and directing. She began in Arts schools and stage-managed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. In L.A., working on various films, she honed her production management skills. Now pursuing an MFA in Costume and Scenic Design at the University of Idaho, she is excited to co-direct and choreograph her 15th Tulips Festival Night Show.

Creative Vision:

In designing the costumes for Fiddler on the Roof, I drew inspiration from Marc Chagall's vibrant palette to bring the world of Anatevka to life. Wanting to highlight the rich life of the characters, I used muted Jewel tones to symbolize community and tradition, while gray and black reflect the characters' challenges and persecution. Each costume embodies the character's essence while paying careful attention to the importance of rituals within the Jewish community via clothing

Teresa TerHaar

Technical Director

This is Teresa's fourth production as Technical Director at Dordt University. New to the role, she continues to be grateful to the entire Scene Shop crew, especially the supervisors. This production taught Teresa the importance of good casters for moving scenic elements. She also directs on the mainstage, teaches courses, and serves as chair of the Theatre Arts Department. Teresa is thankful for her supportive family.

Creative Vision:

I aim to ensure that the director's and scenic designer's vision is fully and excellently realized onstage. I support the work of the scene shop artisans, props designers, and sound technicians as they bring the world of Fiddler on the Roof to life. I plan work, ask questions, acquire supplies, problem-solve, facilitate decisions, and encourage.

Photo by NWC

Chris Glanzer

Audio Engineer

About Chris Glanzer and Glanzer Pro Audio:

Glanzer Pro Audio is distinctly superior in providing reliable and professional consultation, event services, live sound, installation, and training. GPA was initially created to fulfill an evident need for cost-effective and trustworthy sound system design and installation for churches and businesses. We have been also actively involved with live and recorded audio for over 25 years with sound engineering experience at national levels. We are active members of SYN-AUD-CON (Synergetic Audio Concepts), the NSCA (National Systems Contractors Association) and an active member of the CSC (Church Sound Check) group.

Photo by Robin Suing

Marijka Bakker

Sound Technician

Malorie DeKam

Hair & Makeup Design

Malorie is a senior at Dordt, majoring in accounting with minors in finance and theatre arts. She's been involved in many other shows at Dordt; including designing for Our Town and Comedy of Errors. Her favorite part of working on this show was getting to spend one on one time with many of the actors hand making their beards.

Creative Vision:

My vision for the show was to find a way to make the actors look culturally appropriate and time period accurate, while also making the design my own.

Faith Pluister

Props Design

Faith Pluister is a sophomore at Dordt University. She is majoring in Secondary Education and American and World History. Faith has been in the ensemble of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Props runner in Comedy of Errors, and assistant stage manager for A Doll's House. Her favorite part about working on this show was getting to experience a new role and all of the fun that comes with seeing a creation come to life onstage.

Creative Vision:

My vision for this show was to find and make props that fit well with the theme of the show, while also maintaining the necessary historical and cultural accuracy.

Austin Anderson

Graphic Design

This is Austin’s first year ever doing graphic design exclusively for a main-stage production! He is so thrilled to have walked alongside the production team and come up with new designs to help advertise and express the show. He is looking forward to hopefully continuing his Graphic Design career in the future and loves that this can be a part of his growing portfolio.

Creative Vision:

Austin’s goal was to bring out the vibrancy of this show. While the stereotypical color pallet of Fiddler on the Roof is quite muted, he heightened the colors, added texture, and wanted to make sure to highlight the energy of the show! All the characters are hand illustrated, layered, and individually textured, and the text is completely unique made specifically to resemble that show! It took a couple of drafts, tweaks, and presentations, but he hopes the final results accomplishes the vision of the show!

Petra Heinze

Dramaturge

Petra Heinze is a sophomore nursing major who loves spending her spare time working with the Dordt Theatre Department. She did box of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe last fall and was involved in props design for A Comedy of Errors and A Doll’s House. She’s been thoroughly enjoying the process of doing research for Fiddler on the Roof, and the unique challenges that come along with ensuring the accuracy of the production.

Creative Vision:

Something that I find very important about the role of Dramaturge for this production is the fact that we're talking about a real time and place in history. That makes it a unique challenge to make sure that the story we're presenting rings true to the values and culture of Jewish Russians in the early 20th century. My main goal with Dramaturgy is to make sure that we are honoring that responsibility by portraying the world of the play in a way that feels authentic and meaningful.