Edina West Upper Division - Windigo Yearbook (Edina, MN)

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Tradition carries on “It was awfully frustrating in the beginning,” commented sophomore Karen Maley. The first readings and rehearsals gave a frightening glimpse of what was to come. All of the actors and actresses of Fiddler on the Roof soon realized the feat which they were to undertake. The time element was phenomenal. Barb Sortino (12), who played the role of the third daughter, stated, It was a big commitment ... in fact I think I lived and breathed Fiddler for two and a half months. Few spectators were aware of the two and a half hour prac- tices, five days a week, that most leads endured. For the villagers, orchestra members, and crew members, weekly practices at night, dress rehearsals and performances were a big enough bite to chew. Many of the leads agreed that characterization was the most difficult task to conquer. For a predominantly Christian cast, conveying Jewish traditions was a formidable goal. Eric Felton (11) explained this aspect of the production, It was hard to understand that you had to be that person. You could not go out on stage as yourself. The make up, designed and applied by Tom Amundson (fac.), helped all the cast members to get a better feel of their character. For the guys, wearing a beard was a new experience. The make-up of various leads required up to two hours of patience, John Trones (12) remarked, I hated putting it all on, but it was neat to see how I changed. Audience response was an exciting and new experience for those who had practiced for weeks with no laughter or applause. Five out of five sold out performances indicated the interest and support that Fiddler received. Stated senior Liz Eifrig, It all seemed so professional. Added Barb Frey (12), Everything was well united, the costumes, lighting, make up, set, and music. Though applause was rewarding, most of the actors and actresses felt that the experience of being on stage in such an elaborate production was more worthwhile and fulfilling and was the key to Fiddler on the Roof. The emotional, physical and mental strains were incredible. In summation, Trones said, It all paid off. Villagers and musicians look on as Tevye, Mark Solfelt (12), meets Grandma Tzeitel, Anne Denny (12), in his own dreams. FAR ABOVE: Yente the matchmaker, Brenda Peskin (11), talks on as Golde, Laurie Cozad (12), prepares some tea. ABOVE: The villagers listen as the Rabbi, Peter Cleaveland (10), answers their questions. 25 f IDDL€R OH THC ROOf

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RIGHT: After their marriage plans are blessed by Tevye, Motel Kamzoil, John Trones (12) sings to Tzeitel, sophomore Karen Malley. BELOW: Tev-ye's daughter Chava, senior Barb Sortino, sings of her dream husband in Matchmaker, Matchmaker. Applying his make up before a performance, Kevin Divine (12) begins to look like the character Perchik. Entertaining at the wedding are bottle dancers, Greg Tambornino (12) and Mark Rudin (12). 24

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Portraying “cone heads, Kelly Peters (10) and Jennifer Arndt (11) announce the intermission. LOWER RIGHT: Participating in a skit, Paul Huppert (12) proposes marriage to Kim Jones (12). BELOW: Singing Edelweiss, Kim Jones (12), Jacqueline Ultan (12), Alicia Ultan (12), and Jennifer Arndt (11) are accompanied by the orchestra. Sound of music prevails Lights, camera, action . . . The Edina-West symphony orchestra presented “Soundtrack, featuring motion picture themes in their sixth annual Cafe Concert held on December 1 and 2 in the Leo J. Fick Auditorium. Equipped with twenty-three string instruments, twenty-six wind instruments and one piano, the orchestra opened with a Spanish traditional called “Espani Cani. They also played selections from The Sound of Music in which Sue Nydahl (12), Michelle Melichar (12), Kim Jones (12), Alicia Ultan (12), Jacqueline Ultan (12), and Jennifer Arndt (11) were featured soloists. Other movie themes presented were selections from The King and I, Love Story, Exodus, and Mondo Cane. For a grand finale the orchestra played songs from A Christmas Festival in which the audience participated and sang along. Kim Fleming (11) commented on the production, The concert went really well in spite of the fact that the turnout was extremely low. It was really too bad that more people did not realize that we were not just playing Beethoven. We played mostly all light, popular music. 26