Rehearsing are, from left, Sarah Tomilson, Laura Kirchner, Jordan Pitts and Spencer Evett.

The Ottoson Middle School performing arts department's "Fiddler on the Roof Jr." was stagbe Thursday, March 7, but tonight's performance has been postponed until Saturday, March 9, at 7 p.m. because of the snow. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for students and children.

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More rehearsal photos here

At 8 a.m. on a recent Saturday, 51 dedicated Ottoson Middle Schoolers gather around the piano singing warm-ups as musical director, Gregory Condakes plays.

Jenna Fernandes, the director, scurries from one side of the stage to the other setting up scenery and props for the rehearsal. Randy Flynn, the stage manager, also moves about with a much-needed whistle hanging around her neck.

Cori Gaffny sits on the bleachers, sending emails to her parent volunteers.

This dedicated team of teachers and students are preparing to put on Fiddler on the Roof Jr.

"I am so proud of this cast and crew," Fernandes said. "They've worked incredibly hard and have been so supportive of each other."

Condakes added: "This should be a nice production by show time. We’re very proud of all the work the kids have done."

Gaffny noted the parents' hard work. "I can't believe the response from parents to help with props, scenery, tickets, costumes," she said. "The response from the parents is unbelievable."

Eighth grader Mike McGinnity, who plays Tevye, the male lead, said: "I love the day long rehearsals; they’re really fun."

Other kids nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, when we’ve worked really hard together, we start to feel like a team," one said.

Another cast member jumped in: "I can’t wait to start rehearsing with costumes. That’s when it gets really exciting."
Fiddler on the Roof Jr. is the story of a man and his family caught between the old ways and traditions that have held their people together for decades and the new ideas of the young. Each daughter challenges her parents' views of the world. The results are thought-provoking and heartwarming.

Organizers call this a not-to-miss performance. "Young and old alike will leave the theater humming the tunes with smiles on their faces," one said.

E-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have questions.

Further ticket infromation

Tickets will be on sale March 3 through 8 during school lunches. Tickets are $6 for students/children and $10 for adults.

If you send in the money with your child, he or she can purchase them during lunch. If they bring lunch, you may want to include the payment in their lunch bag as they won't be permitted to go to their locker once they get to the cafeteria.

You can also come in and purchase tickets during lunches (MWF 11:28-12:43 and TR 11:00-12:15). Please make sure you sign in at the main office.

If you write out a check, please make it payable to Town of Arlington instead of Ottoson Middle School.

Tickets will also be on sale at 6 p.m. before the performances on March 7 and 8.

The story, published Friday, Feb. 22, and updated Feb. 25, was written by Carol Hevia, an Ottoson parent. Parent Eric Tolman took the photos.