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About our Show
Welcome to the Meriden Youth Theatre at the YMCA’s 14th Main Stage Spring Production! Please not that video and audio recording is prohibited by copyright law. Please keep your phones away during the show, as bright screens are distracting to others.
Fiddler on the Roof takes place in 1906 in Ukraine. While this story of the fictional village Anatevka is over 100 years old, the themes of tradition, repression, and prejudice still conflict our world today. During the performance, Tevye will invite you, the audience, to light your candle and join us in a moment of prayer or reflection for the people of Ukraine. After the show, we will continue collecting donations to support the Ukrainian refugees. Thank you for your support, and enjoy the show.
Musical Numbers
- Tradition
- Matchmaker
- If I Were A Rich Man
- Sabbath Prayer (join us in lighting your candles)
- To Life
- The Dream
- 15 Minute Intermission
- Sunrise, Sunset
- Wedding Dance
- Do You Love Me?
- Far From the Home I Love
- Anatevka
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Meet the cast!
KYLIE RYBAK
Tzeitel - Team Mule (Sun 2)
At an early age, Kylie showed a love for theatrics and music. She has been involved as a support cast member of such Paperhouse Production performances as Shrek, Mulan, Mary Poppins, and James and the Giant Peach. She has come out of her shell at MYT, recently taking on the role of Elsa in MYT's performance of Frozen. She feels accepted and included at MYT and believes she has truly found her people! Kylie thanks her Mom, Dad and sister for all their support during her play seasons. She also thanks her extended family and friends for all their support and encouragement.
Isabella Panico
Fruma Sarah - Sat 2 & Sun 2
This is Isabella's 13th MYT production and is very excited to be playing Fruma Sarah in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. MYT has been a home for her starting as a zebra in LION KING JR and most recently playing Young Elsa in FROZEN JR. Other favorite roles have been The Snowman in THE GREATEST SNOWMAN, Teen Fiona in SHREK JR and Miss Hannigan in ANNIE KIDS. Bella is a 5th grader at The Independent Day School and also on the gymnastics team at Connecticut Gymnastics Academy. She would like to wish all the cast and crew and great show and excited for the year to come with MYT.
Kalylah N. Beltran
Fiddler & First Girl/Woman
This is Kalylah's first MYT performance. Other shows performed include Young Nala in LION KING JR (Edison Middle School), Lemur in MADAGASCAR JR. (Israel Putnam). She landed the role of Captain Hook in PETER PAN JR. (Israel Putnam) but due to covid and distant learning, the show was cancelled. She is now a 6th grader at Edison Middle School with a passion for the arts. Kalylah sings in church choir, attended The Lab Dance Studio in Meriden and is part of the chorus at Edison Middle School. Kalylah thanks the entire staff and Members of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF for their dedication and support.
Jamie Baribault
Avram (Fri 7) & Fiddler
Jamie is a freshman at Southington High School and is a huge theater fan. She has been in many shows including, her first appearance with MYT in LEGALLY BLONDE. Other shows include THE LITTLE MERMAID (SHS Drama Club), THE LION KING JR. (Flanders School Drama Club), FROZEN JR. (Southington Youth Summer Theater), WILLY WONKA (Southington Community Theatre) and many others. She is excited to be participating in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF with her friends and can't wait for you to see the show that everyone has worked so hard on.
Kyle C Vasas
Motel - Team Horse (Sat 2)
This will be Kyles third production with MYT, Frozen Kids as Kristoff and The Jungle Book Kids elephant and vulture. Kyle plays piano at West Main Music Academy and Dances at Star Dance Academy. Kyle would like to Thank MYT Staff for showing him the love of theatre and mentoring him on his journey. Nich, Joe and Ethan P you are my role models!
Kathy Summa
Grandpa - Team Mule (Sun 2)
This will be Kathy's 20th show at MYT. Her favorite role was Toad in FROG AND TOAD. Kathy does soccer and horseback riding and Parkour along with MYT. She loves her dog brother Fritzie and hanging with her friends and MYT peeps! Kathy would like to thank the cast and crew for putting together another great show!!! #Malzetov!
Ray Sanders
Yente - Team Sunrise (Fri 7)
Ray loves being part of MYT as both performer and CIT. Past roles: Ryan (HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 JR), Aaron (LEGALLY BLONDE), Blind Mice (SHREK JR), Andrea (ONCE ON THIS ISLAND JR), Mulan (MULAN JR), and Farmer Sherry (DEAR EDWINA JR). Meriden School productions: Ariel (THE LITTLE MERMAID JR), Babkak (ALADDIN JR), Dorothy (WIZZARD OF OZ JR), and Scott (DEAR EDWINA JR). Ray attends ACES Education Center for the Arts in New Haven studying theatre. Ray would like to thank the entire staff, cast, and crew of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF JR. for their love and support.
Katherine Sanders
Grandpa - Team Horse (Sat 2)
Katherine is so excited to be part of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF JR. She has had a great time being part of MYT performing as Young Ana (FROZEN JR.), Bird (FROG AND TOAD JR), Annie (ANNIE JR), Blind Mice (SHREK JR), and her favorite so far Sponge (JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH JR). A budding playwright, Katherine has written and performed several of her own original works – including making the sets and costumes! Katherine would like to thank her friends and the MYT staff for always being there to support and guide her.
Lily Sanders
Yente - Team Horse (Sat 2)
Lily loves to be on stage and is excited to show her “sassy side” as Yente. In December it was a dream come true to be Young Elsa in FROZEN JR. Lily has been singing since she could talk and has a great time in MYT’s productions as Star to Be (ANNIE JR), Blind Mice (SHREK JR), and Jungle Narrator (JUNGLE BOOK KIDS). Lily is in 3rd grade at Israel Putnam school and hopes one day to be a “YouTuber”. She has had a great time making new friends and would like to thank everyone for helping her in rehearsals.
Raelynn Ferguson
Mordcha - Team Horse (Sun 2)
This will be Raelynn’s first performance with MYT. Raelynn is a student at Parker Farms Elementary School. In addition to MYT, Raelynn is a swimmer for the Wallingford Dolphins and enjoys singing and art. She wants to thank Jesus for gifting her with the courage to go after something that interests her. She wants to thank the cast, crew, and staff for the opportunity and their hard work. Finally she wants to thank her family and friends for their love and support.
Ethan Frederick
Tevye - Team Sunrise (Fri 7)
Ethan has been a member of MYT since kindergarten. Most recently he was cast as Scar in Edison Middle Schools production of LION KING. He loves theater so much he hopes to become a CIT, a camp counselor and some day part of the production crew.
We would like to congratulate all the cast and crew on another great MYT production. It’s amazing to see such a fantastic group come together to perform amazing shows again and again.
Lily Brunjes
Yussel & First Man - Team Mule (Sun 2)
This is Lily’s first time performing with Meriden Youth Theater. She’s excited to play Yussel in her first play! Previously, she performed for three years with the United Girls choir in New Haven, Connecticut. Lily has a passion for singing and performance and was sad when those dreams were put on hiatus during Covid. Lily has fully embraced this new theater chapter in her life and is also performing in Matilda at Dag Hammerskjold middle school a week after the Fiddler performances. Lily is so thankful for the opportunity to perform with Meriden Youth Theater!
Angelina Blair
Mordcha - Team Mule (Sun 2)
Angelina is thrilled to be appearing in her 6th MYT productions. Some of her favorite roles include Amaryllis in THE MUSIC MAN and Young Anna in Frozen. She has also appeared in JOSEPH AND THE TECHINICOLOR DREAM COAT, JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH, and the THE GREATEST SNOWMAN. Angelina is a 5th grader at Willard Elementary School. She enjoys being in the school band and chorus and hanging out with her friends.
Cali Ruhe
Hodel - Team Mule (Sun 2)
This is Cali's sixth production at MYT. She most recently appeared in her "bucket list dream role" as Anna in FROZEN. Other favorite roles include Spiker in JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH, Bagheera in THE JUNGLE BOOK, Tooth Fairy in THE GREATEST SNOWMAN, and Frog in FROG AND TOAD. She has also appeared in ANNIE and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST with The Whitney Players Theatre Company. Cali dances with The Joan Lynn Dance company where she competes in Tap and Hip Hop. She would like to thank the entire cast, crew, staff, and "her show family" for making Fiddler such a special production.
Annie Krupski
Tzietel - Team Sunrise (Fri 7)
Annie has been involved in MYT since she was 6. Her favorite performances include: Lobster (ALICE IN WONDERLAND), and more recently Marion (MUSIC MAN JR.), Cinderella (INTO THE WOODS JR.), Hunyak (CHICAGO), and Margot (LEGALLY BLOND). She also performs with the Mercy High School Drama Club and Mercy Chamber Choir as well the United Girls Consort Choir. Annie is a member of TRI M and Mercy/Xavier International Thespian Society. She will be attending Sarah Lawrence College this fall. Annie would like to thank Carolyn, Joe, Nich, Lindsay, and Kendra for an amazing experience!
Maddie Rella
Chava - Team Mule (Sun 2)
Maddie has been in many MYT productions, some of her favorite shows/roles have been: Willy Wonka in WILLY WONKA JR, King Julian in MADAGASCAR, Mrs. Paroo in MUSIC MAN, Ida Walters in JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH, Pabbie in FROZEN, JR, and now Chava in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. She most recently played Rafiki in the LION KING JR at Edison Middle School. Maddie takes Musical Theatre, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary and Hip Hop at Star Dance Academy. Maddie loves being part of MYT family and is looking forward to ELF JR and MATILDA in the summer productions.
Team Sunrise - Fri 7 PM
Team Horse - Sat 2 PM
Team Sunset - Sat 7 PM
Team Mule - Sun 2 PM
Spring Show History
- 2020: The Music Man JR
- 2019: Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat
- 2018: The Lion King JR
- 2017: Annie JR
- 2016: The King & I
- 2015: Godspell JR
- 2014: Guys and Dolls JR
- 2013: G2K Oklahoma!
- 2012: Beauty and the Beast JR
- 2011: Willy Wonka JR
- 2010: The Music Man JR
- 2009: Fiddler on the Roof JR
- 2008: Annie JR
MYT Staff
- Director - Carolyn Daniels
- Choreographer/Character Coach - Lindsay Porter
- Choreographer/Stage Manger - Nich Palumbo
- Music and Technical Director - Joe Oblon
Special Thanks To
- Sound board operator: Tyler Chamberland
- Light board operator: Mason Vazquez
- Costumes: Stefanie Szawerda & Annie Krupski
- Kendra Henderson, Luke Henderson, Brian Cyr, Erin Lyons-Barton, and the Meriden Public Schools for welcoming us to Edison Middle School and supporting the Arts in Meriden
- Freddie and the custodial staff at Edison Middle School
- The Meriden YMCA
- CMI Sound & Show Lighting
Director's Note
When we selected Fiddler on the Roof as our spring show almost a year ago, the storyline of the 1964 Broadway classic seemed distant: Taking place in 1905, the story of the fictional Ukrainian village, Anatevka, ends with a Russian constable telling the Jewish villagers they must leave within three days. In light of recent events, the themes within Fiddler are as relevant today as they were 100 years ago.
Rehearsing this production has been emotional at times, as we think of the millions of Ukrainian families currently fleeing their home from the war. At each performance, we will be inviting the entire audience to take part in our production by lighting a candle during the show. We will be handing out candles at the door and collecting donations to help the refugee children of Ukraine.
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Credits:
Created with an image by Libracesp - "curtain theatre las vegas"