If there was a master class about Fiddler on the Roof, Rick Taylor, Northwest Christian School’s Theater Teacher, would certainly be at the head of the class. He has been involved in four productions, most recently directing Northwest Christian’s extremely successful production last spring.
In previous productions, Taylor played the Russian Tenor, a villager, and was the director. In this fall’s Spokane Civic Theatre production, he plays the part of the Rabbi. Taylor is enjoying the luxury of just being an actor this time so he can work on his performance.
For those who are not familiar with Fiddler, it is a timeless story which follows Tevye, the patriarch of the family and main character, who wants to keep his family, with five daughters, as it has always been — in the midst of a rapidly-changing world.
Taylor says, “I am in love with this show and the message it brings – I can relate to him as a father.”
Rick longs to play Tevye, the bold title character, but for now, it’s enough to balance school and the show. Thank goodness for teacher prep periods.
Fiddler on the Roof goes way back in Taylor’s life –“When I was a junior in high school, I would go home and put the soundtrack on every night and conduct the orchestra.”
“Being so familiar with the show really helps. I love this show completely, and it never gets old,” says Taylor.
The Civic Theatre’s version of Fiddler on the Roof
runs through Sunday, October 19th.
