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Kristina ScalaTags:
Fiddler on the Roof Musical theatre Performance Pfleeger hall TevyeStage left is where the fiddler sat on the rooftop. He played the last of his music when the lights faded into black. Then the sound of the roaring crowd swept through Pfleeger Hall as one by one each cast member trotted onto the stage, so the crowd could see them one last time after a spectacular performance.
The opening performance of “Fiddler on the Roof” was held on Friday, April 16 at 8 p.m. The seats were packed that night and filled with a variety of people.
Overall, the performance was filled with emotion. One minute, the audience was laughing out of their seats and the next, they were swelling heart break and anger.
Each and every cast member was able to provoke different types of emotion from the audience. Although most of the musical had a sarcastic, humorous tone that made the audience laugh uncontrollably, when it came time to applaud, the audience gave their undivided attention and cheered.
The compelling story of Tevye, a man who tries to maintain a Jewish lifestyle for himself and his family draws your attention to both past and present traditional influences within society. Tevye struggles with keeping tradition alive within his family while outside influences draw three of his five daughters to marry men whose beliefs are different from that of Jewish culture.
The cast worked six days a week for three months; that type of work shows how much time and dedication went into this performance.
Considering this is a popular show that many schools choose to perform, Rowan University’s Department of Theater and Dance did a spectacular job. Their hard work certainly paid off.
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12:41 am
For the amount of work put into this show, it would have been nice to have a review that actually described the production and the actors involved, instead of reading a synopsis.
Thanks anyway!
Love,
The Cast and Crew of Fiddler on the Roof
12:46 am
I agree with the above statement. Glad our 6 days a week, 3 months of rehearsal got less than a page of plain text, stating the obvious. How about that this was one of the biggest shows Rowan has ever done? At least put a little effort into it, since it is probably your major.
3:26 am
Maybe next week we’ll get a better review.
4:06 am
Not to speak of the fact that last weeks preview, which would normally serve to actually bring people out to the show, was shoved into a minute column stretched out over two pages in the Entertainment section. Not even a picture. If this is making up for that, as one of the Whit staff told our director last week, then a little frustration should be understandable. All due respect is given to RUMTC’s Godspell, they certainly deserved what they got and I think it’s fantastic that a solely student-run organization is actually putting on credible productions. However, for as much as your publication claims to believe in the value of theatre, I have so far seen a very disappointing amount of understanding when it comes to how difficult what we’re doing really is (with certain exceptions).
Rowan’s theatre department produces professional actors every year. Many alumni make their living off of it. The faculty and staff behind each production have extensive backgrounds in Philadelphia and New York and are beyond well-qualified to put together a cohesive show. We’re not a hokey group of people just putting on plays for fun, this is our art, this is our LIFE. All I, and I’m speaking on behalf of my department here, am asking for is a little more consideration, understanding, and respect. We don’t need stellar, intricate reviews that dissect every aspect of our performance. Something besides a general review that could be describing any other show barring the fifth paragraph would be nice, though.
This wasn’t meant to be an attack on the writer, by the way. I don’t know you personally and mean nothing towards it. This is the product of a good four years of frustration at opening up the Entertainment section and finding yet another sign of neglect.
8:37 am
I have been attending theater at Rowan for about 4 years now. What I have seen has made me laugh, brought me to tears, in essence evoked every emotion that was sought by the actors – this is no surprise when held in the light of the talent that has walked the boards over there. So for this review to state the obvious is definitely slacking on the part of the reviewer. More passion has been shown in the comments above than in the review itself, so perhaps the writer can learn something here. For my part – I want to thank everyone involved in the theater program – from directors to student actors – for giving so completely of yourselves and succeeding in transporting your audiences to a place outside their own aggravations of life. You have provided escape, enjoyment, enlightenment, entertainment, and finally, pride at your accomplishments. Keep it up!
8:44 am
I understand that it is difficult to get Whit writers to want to do a piece on the productions at Rowan, but if you do not want to do it then PLEASE do not write the article and give it to someone else. This “review”, which is no more than a terrible synopsis of the musical, is not only a disgrace to our Department and our hardwork, but to you as a journalist. Please take pride in your work the way we take pride in ours. Have an opinion!
Also, to Tracey. Thank you! Your support of the arts at Rowan is much appreciated.
12:14 pm
Hello, theater supporters of Rowan University. Congratulations on making yourselves seem completely and utterly self-centered. While I’m sure you all worked very hard on Fiddler, you are not even close to being the only thing going on on campus. The Whit produces 16 pages of print a week and I can assure you that they put in countless hours of their own so that you can see your name in print.
If Rowan Theater is your life, I suggest you take a good look at your priorities. I think it’s a wonderful thing that you care so much about Fiddler that you feel the need to publicly lambast other people’s work, but is it fair to the Whit staff for you to criticize them? As a theater veteran myself, I can tell you that if you’re looking for validation from an article in a student-run newspaper, you’re looking in the wrong place. You claim you want to be respected for what you do, but no one cares about The Whit until there’s something to complain about.
Rowan, as a community is very reactive. We sit back and wait for something to go wrong, be it a bad review, a bad budget, or a dead student, and then we complain about it. Maybe it’s time for us as a community to be a little more proactive.
If you don’t like the review, please write your own and submit it to the A&E editor at The Whit, I’m sure they’d love to hear from you.
12:38 pm
Unfortunately, as much as we’d like for others to want to appreciate the work that we do, we will always be more passionate about our own activities and interests than others. The writers of the Whit are learning to be journalists, but this does not mean that they understand or appreciate theatre enough to write a good review. Each publication is a learning experience for them, just as each performance is a learning experience for you. Unless the Whit hires a reviewer who is as passionate and knowledgeable about theatre as you are, this situation will continue to occur. Why doesn’t someone from the theatre department who enjoys writing offer to take over the reviews of the productions? As students studying theatre, you will be more passionate about it, as well as more educated on how to review theatrical performances. Theatre students are more than capable of writing a thorough and well articulated article. Change will not happen unless you make it happen.
1:01 pm
http://www.sjrialto.org/2010/04/fiddler-on-rialto.html
^ that is all we ask for. thank you so much.
2:34 pm
Not self-centered. Just tired of reading articles that a high school student would have written better. Yes, you work hard. Yes, you are learning to be journalists. We understand that and we respect that. However, you will never become better by continuously writing in an uneducated juvenile manner. The purpose of a student paper, just like a student production, is to train the next generation of professionals.
Also, it is ok if we center our lives on Rowan theatre, because over 50 percent of us have already gotten professional jobs out of it. We are learning our craft and starting careers. Click the link above. That is an opinionated article that is researched and thorough. You should try it sometime.
2:34 pm
Brett, why shouldn’t we get passionate about it? It’s the student publication, it is a supposed voice of the student body. I’ve seen some great articles in the Whit. My only issue lies with the coverage of my department’s work. Your statements were more presumptuous than constructive.
As for why the theatre department doesn’t just get one of our own to write… well, frankly, we’re small. Most of us are already over our heads working on the shows, anyway. What it boils down to is, would you trust a chef to review his own restaurant’s food?
4:04 pm
Brett, I completely agree with you. The writers of the Whit are students just like any other person on campus, and yes that means you too theatre students. You know how it feels to be overwhelmed with work and it is the same with any other student. Keep in mind that writing articles for the Whit is not a class, rather an activity in which they spend whatever free time they have. With that said, you have no idea what is going on in someone’s life, so don’t be too quick to judge. Finally, as someone already stated, the writers of the Whit are journalists in training and are not specialized in any one area of study. If you want more emotion in the Whit articles surround theatre and dance, you should submit an article yourself.
5:02 pm
This is a very lively debate, but I for one think there’s a bit too much emotion being thrown around here.
A review/critique is supposed to be a way for a potential audience to gauge whether the production in question is worth seeing.
Put the play into context:
How was this play relevant when first staged?
Did it work back then?
Does it work now?
How has the director tackled the challenge of bringing this work into the modern day?
Was he/she successful?
Review the performances:
What where the actors trying to convey?
Were they fighting against precedents?
Was the ensemble cohesive?
Were they successful?
Review the physical production:
What did the lights, sets, and costumes bring to the table?
Did it fit in with the overall vision of the play?
Was it successful?
And Finally, the opinion:
What stood out to you?
What worked and didn’t work?
What did you feel?
—
This article did none of that. Instead we got a general description of THE BOWS (that’s that that first paragraph describes), a general synopsis, and vague claims about “different types of emotions” being provoked.
I would have LOVED to read about Ms. Scala’s own reaction! Did you hate it or love it? What emotions are you talking about? What did you think of the set, lights, costumes? Did this play strike a chord in you? Did it not? Not because I want to hear you compliment us all day, but because THAT’s what matters! That’s what’s exciting!
5:07 pm
If a journalism major is writing an editorial article, that is meant to tell about the goings on of a campus, then why not add a little detail. There is not one specific mention of a moment in the show except that “the fiddler was on stage left.”
Nobody needs to be “specialized” in writing for the theatre, just honest about their experience. If a theatre major were to write on their own show it would not be objective. Most theatre majors read the Whit to get other student’s opinions OUTSIDE of the department.
Maybe this argument has gone in the wrong direction. It is not a question of praise, just information. People want their work to be talked about. It doesn’t always have to be positive, just informative and detailed.
5:33 pm
^ My sentiments exactly !
8:53 pm
WOW! You people are brutual! I say congrats to the writer of this review! Good Job Miss! To the rest of you! YOU WRITE AN ARTICLE! This writer gave you all props for a job well done!
THANK YOU
Dottie Williams
9:27 pm
Much attention on this review. Where are your comments on Musical comes to Rowan stage for first time in 4 years? Kristina Scala seems to have drawn much attention and disappointed a few. Good article my dear. This is what journalism is all about…
10:01 pm
I agree with the sentiment that a high school senior could have written a better article. In regards to the comment that The Whit is not a required course and many students do it because they want to, so we should not judge a terribly written article because they have class and life to deal with on top of it; just to let you all in on a little secret:
A lot of the people in this show did the same thing.
Rowan Theatre Dept. requires you to be in, what… 3 shows? (Correct me if I’m wrong, guys) Many of these people have been in way over 3 Mainstage productions since they started at Rowan. At that point, it’s a privilege to be exercising their craft and working hard to do what they love, so they do it willingly and without hesitation.
I would hope the writers of the Whit were basically doing the same thing,when they volunteer their services and time to something that could possibly help them broaden their skills and in turn, help them in the future.
Main point is: If you love what you do, then put your heart into it.
This article was lacking; everyone sees it and accepts it. If you want to sit there and make excuses about life, and how school gets in the way – I assure you, you are preaching to the choir (and no, I wasn’t saying that to be funny). We all have obligations and personal problems, doesn’t mean most of us don’t own up when we present bad work.
If any one of those performers went on that stage and did terribly, they would have known it and accepted it and worked to correct it next time.
Hopefully the writer of this article will do the same.
My congratulations to the cast and crew – I’m sorry I could not make it to see it, but from the look of it (I’ve been stalking you all for videos and pictures) it was amazing, and I’m proud of all of you
3.14
11:49 pm
If journalism is your major you should seriously reconsider your career.
To the cast of Fiddler: If you are a theatre or music major, please DON’T change your major. EVER. It was a beautiful and inspiring production. The dedication of the entire cast was extremely evident in the shows success and I wish all of you the best of luck in your future endeavors.
love, love.
11:53 pm
Rowan does not require you to be in shows anymore. Everyone in this cast earned their place.
1:17 am
Rowan does require involvement in two productions for a theatre performance track. However, many of the majors in this show have been in more than that.
10:00 am
I forgot to mention this before. BUT, after reading all of the comments, I MUST say that based on hearing what the cast has to say I wouldnt go to see the show just because you have all acted like ELEMENTARY school children….Miss Scala although I dont know you personally don’t let these people get to you keep on writing!
Thank YOU
10:35 am
I have one thing to say, although many of your points are valid constructive criticism is one thing, but attacking the other is completely different..
11:13 am
Dottie: Nobody approached this in a scathing way until Brett decided to make a generalization about the artists involved. Also, to judge if you will attend an artistic performance or not based on comments on an internet blog is incredibly immature.
Also, for the last time, NOTHING IN THIS ARGUMENT SHOULD BE TAKEN PERSONALLY. Miss Scala should not reconsider her writing career, and none of the actors involved should be treated like egotistical jerks.
The point of the discussion was to point out the need for detailed, opinionated, and important journalism.
Fiddler on the Roof was the biggest thing the College of Fine and Performing Arts has done in a generation. It deserved a little more coverage than a quarter page spread with a large picture to make the article look bigger. Period.
12:49 pm
I think the post above says everything that needs to be said.
Well, that was fun.
1:36 pm
By all means, Miss Scala, keep on writing! However, I do hope that you are reading this discussion and taking notes on the CONSTRUCTIVE critisism your audience has given you. Ignore the ad hominem attacks from either side, they serve no purpose in your toolbox.
The writers of the WHIT are in an incredible position to shape the tastes and trends at Rowan. With this position comes an incredible responsibility. Just like an actor has to prepare and give his absolute best performance by opening night (especially if they are paying audience), every article a writer sends to print is held to similarly high standards. Thousands of copies of your work is being distributed to thousands of people. The audience expects that work to be sterling. This doesn’t mean you have to appease your audience, but you certainly owe it to them (and to yourself) to give them your best work. To make excuses just because it’s a student publication is to sell the WHIT short.
No one expected this small review in the WHIT to spark such a heated debate. This just goes to show that, contrary to what Brett said, students DO CARE about what is written in the WHIT. The WHIT is the voice of the student body; an extension of ourselves and our identity. We take pride in well written articles because it reflects well on the university and ourselves.
As a graduating theater major, I wish I was able to contribute to arts columns at the WHIT. Fortunately, I’ve blessed with the opportunity to be involved with almost every single theatrical production, be it as an actor or producer, that has been mounted at Rowan for the past 4 years. Needless to say, to write about these events would have been a conflict of interest. I hope that other students, not only arts students, will read this debate and be inspired to look at their student publications with a more discerning eye. Unfortunately I have to agree with Brett when he said that the Rowan student body is “reactive”, but baby steps, I guess…
Baby steps…
P.S. Congrats to the new e-board of the WHIT! I hope you guys are taking notes!
3:58 pm
Ok I have read everything that has been written so far.
1. I think Miss Scala wrote what she saw and based in a basic form which was complinetary to the ENTIRE cast and crew that performed that night.
2. My personal observation is that a bit more detail could have been entered into the review however it was not.
3. After reading it I got the imperssion that it was a wonderful show that she truly enjoyed and based on her review eveyone in the theater also enjoyed it.(If i remember correctly this is what a review is intended to do or to steer you away.)
4. What i did see from the responses is that there were a few who gave constructive critizim to a College student at the begining of what she hopes to be a career. Sadly I saw others belittle and attempt to minimize the work of someone who wrote what she believed to be a kind and positive comment on a show. As opposed to asking for her to follow a different path to a more detailed review that is being looked for here.
5.I think a reasonable lesson can and should be learned, that all new writers are not Hemingways and all new actors are not Sir John Gielguds. So my only hope is that Miss Scala take from this exactly what she needs and disregards the minor comments of a few who should know better than to treat a fellow student with unkind comments that i have read above.
12:23 am
Wow, I think that this is the most amount of comments on a Whit article… ever.
That being said, I just want to make a point clear. I’m not taking sides because I can see both. No, this isn’t A++ work, but I know I don’t always churn out award winning pieces each week, if ever, so who am I to judge?
That being said, I might take time to ask what her word count was. Space is a HUGE issue in a publication, so she may have wanted to go more in depth, but didn’t have the room. The Whit has to deal with space issues every week, sometimes resulting in paring down or cutting pieces. It’s happened to my column quite a few times, and maybe she just was a sacrifice to the gods of publication layout.
10:47 pm
You know what, you’re lucky The Whit even covers theatre events. They don’t have to even pay any attention to you. We’re not your PR publication, we’re a publication to help people learn how to write so let’s stop being so picky about everything.
5:17 pm
You’re right. I’ll change from now on.
4:11 am
Dylan: this issue was dead and buried, a general understanding was reached.
Oh, and also, the theatre is lucky to be covered?
It’s something to write about, without something to write about, there would be no Whit.
The Whit doesn’t have to exist, but it does, therefore it should cover relevant topics on campus, such as a performance or a football game.
Done.
2:46 pm
I want to say that I saw Fiddler on Friday and was so impressed that I came back again on Saturday with my children. I am not a student of Rowan just a lover of theatre. I can understand the frustration of the actors involved in this production as they had mastered capturing the ranges of emotions generated by their fantastic perfomances…I say bravo to the director and the brilliant actors involved. Both nights I came I was moved and my children were glued to their seats.
Actors, let it go…at the end of the day you had an audience that was thrilled and astonished …you did deserved an article that was much better written for sure but don’t let one person’s opinion take away from the roaring well deserved standing ovation you received the two nights I attended. I look forward to seeing you all on stage again!
11:35 am
I am currently a senior in high school. I am going to Rowan for journalism this fall. Although I am only a senior, I feel like I could do much better than you did, and I’m pretty sure I have. Good luck with the rest of your articles, and maybe I will see you around next year.
9:27 pm
Future Prof,
If you are planning on attending Rowan to become part of the College of Communication that is not the proper, adult response to write under someone else’s article and you might want to reconsider your self confidence considering you might not meet many people who enjoy being around someone with that “knows” they can do better than someone else. You should have others critique you rather than give YOURSELF a pat on the back and a gold medal along with it.
As far as the rest of the comments on this review, a majority of you need to look at yourselves in the mirror and try and separate constructive criticisms and personal criticism. Most of the comments were reasonable and the writer of this article should consider taking notes and writing her next review better. Others are a disgrace of the amount of maturity a college student should have. Maybe those of you who harshly criticized Miss Scala should reconsider your own career (since when do you need a complement to know that you did well) and ask yourselves if you are ready for life’s disappointments.
Another subject I would like to point out is the fact that most of you are complaining about a review that complemented your performance.
10:46 am
Wow, I’m mad I missed this. This would have been much fun to jump into. Nothing’s more funny than a group of theatre people questioning a journalist’s work. Of course, this is under the assumption that finding jobs after college automatically makes you a quality actor/actress/dancer/etc., as well as an ombudsman for a student publication.
As Brett said, there’s more to this paper than theatre arts. What he didn’t explain is this: There’s the sports section, as sports fans write the sports. There’s the news section, as people who care about news write the news. As a department and professionals-to-be, you shouldn’t be polarizing the lone voice for you. Whether you intended to or not, you did just that. Nobody’s going to want to write about theatre if the theatre people put down their work.
There was a link to a blog, and the author has written for The Whit. This makes me ask two things. (1) Do you consider a blog journalism? (2) If so, why not ask Jim to write the reviews?
All of this could have been avoided before the production. If you think your production is so important, then talk to the A&E editor well before the production. Tell the editor that this production is the biggest of a generation. Give that editor some insight to pass down to the writer. That way the A&E editor can get you the special treatment you feel like you deserve.
Perhaps next year, Kevin Melendez and whatever one-named people there are here can give The Whit a heads up next time if you think it’s that special. This isn’t just one-way street: reviews in A&E need improvement in The Whit and the performing arts department needs to expand its boundaries beyond a specific target market if they want their work to be recognized to their desire.
As Armando Galarraga said earlier this month: “Nobody’s perfect. Everybody human.” We all could improve our work, journalists and performing artists alike. Hopefully if this problem arises again, this comment will be read and we won’t see sour grapes again.
8:37 am
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