I have a vague memory of a "bucket list" that I wrote when I was in college at Utah State. Among other goals, the one I remember most was, to play an actual role in a musical play. When I moved here to Vegas, that was somehwhat realized with the Cimarron staff productions. I was in the chorus of a couple of community theatre productions before we started our family, but still the itch to perform remains. Now, almost 10 years later, it was the right show, timing worked out, and Jason was the most supportive amazing husband. I still can't believe I got to do this show. Fiddler has always been one of my favorites. It is so timeless and relevant-- especially today.
All I can say is I feel so blessed to have been a part of it.
It was SO FUN playing Fruma Sarah!
I got to fly, I got to cackle and howl, I got to strangle Tevye with my pearls! What could be better?
I also got to enjoy the chorus experience and played a townsperson when not in Fruma gear.
We truly had some AMAZING actors in this cast.
I made this scarf and all of the kippot (yamakas) for the show!
Haha! That's what I get for crocheting during long rehearsals!
Mark Karris aka Avram decided to audition for Fiddler so that he could have this experience with his daughter Elianna- who played a bottle dancer. Soo cool-- and an inspiration for me!
Now, a new dream -- do a show with one of my kiddos!
We dubbed him the "Eyeore of Anatevka." He was so great!
Dressing-Room shenanigans! Normally, I imagine a lesser character like mine would be in the larger dressing room, rather than in the "star" dressing room with the leads. However, due to the complexity of my costume, I was here. I feel so blessed to have gotten to know these amazing talented ladies. They included me instantly and made me a part of their "squad."
Me, Amanda (Tzeitel), and Melissa (Golde). Post pin-curl madness.
Tiffany has such a big heart and was one of those people who took care of everyone. She helped people get dressed, put wigs on, and brought tissues backstage for actors after tearful scenes.
Jilliene and Shanna are such amazing gals-- beauty, brains, heart, all of it.
Alda did such a gorgeous job on my makeup every night.
"Putting on our lashes--everybody pray!" - Amanda.
Haha! Applying lashes is always an adventure!
We had a lot of laughs. One fav memory is being goofy backstage during The Rumor.
We danced, we did the tango, we did the kermit run-- what at first was the scene everyone wants to cut, became one of my favorites.
It's Fruma-Socka! Melissa had Amanda for "secret pals" and gave her some really fun things!
Of course we had to name them all!
My "fish-girl" daughter --Ella! Love her to bits!!
Fruma and Granny Tzeitel - aka Faith. Faith was the DJ in the women's dressing room. So fun!
Yente and Tzeitel -aka Anita and Amanda
Some of our bottle dancer girl/boys. Lauren, Michelle, and Katelyn.
One of my favorite memories, besides the amazing bottle dance, was when they would be in their beards and wedding dresses for the Dream-- so funny!
Hodel and Perchik - aka Naree and Jared, had over 11 plant children by the end of this production-ha!
Noa was my "Fru-son" during the closing scene of Fiddler. Such a sweet and talented girl. Love her!
I wish I had pictures of all of the backstage technicians who helped me. These four gals were my primary costume helpers. We had to quick-change me out of Fruma into villager for the Wedding in about 5 min! And, then from Anatevka, back into Fruma for bows in about 9 minutes! CRAZY!
Fun memories during this moment-- Clucking with the chickens during the opening music-Tiffany cracked up every time-ha! Individualized high-fives and hugs from Tony every night, plus a heel kick off the ramp-- he only fell into the bushes once! He, Michael, and Mama-Leigh were my flight technicians. They literally held my life in their hands every night. I love this photo.
Natalia was my "secret pal" for the show. She is only 13 and already an amazing young lady! In addition to singing and acting, she does ballet, so I crocheted her some leg warmers.:)
My Fiddling-Crocheting-Flying-Friend-- and I later found out, my AWESOME secret pal!
Joshua Smithline is such a great kid.
Lazar Wolf -aka Gene Vitale. Such a big hearted man.
My favorite memory of him was his "chicken dance" during the Dream. It still makes me giggle. While waiting to come on stage he would dance to the music with his rubber chicken--hahaha! Hanging above stage waiting for my entrance, I had a perfect view!
Hanging out with the squad on a late Friday night.
90 years old and she's still got it! So cool that my Grandma Louise came!
HUGE shout-out to this guy. We literally said hello/goodbye every Tuesday-Friday, and two shows on Saturday for a month--not to mention the weeks of rehearsal before that. Picking up the slack so I could do something like this is no small thing. Love him.
Love all of these people. We really did become a village.
