"Fiddler on the Roof" sells out twice

RONAN — Some people from out of state, and even in Montana, might express the feeling that there’s no real live theater in Montana. Beginning with the various venues: The Opera House Theater in Phillipsburg, Bigfork Summer Playhouse, Whitefish Theater Company, The Playmill Theater in West Yellowstone, Shakespeare In The Parks touring throughout Montana, Billings Studio Theatre Company, Equinox Theatre Company in Bozeman, Port Polson Players here in Polson, and that’s just the beginning. It seems that real live theater does exist in Montana. Many other productions are played, as well.

“Fiddler on the Roof,” which played for four performances at the Ronan Performing Arts Center in early June, is just one example. The cast list totaled 55 actors, and 21 individuals made up the crew. The first two performances were almost sold out, and the last two were sold out. With the exception of six individuals who are on the faculty and staff of Ronan High School, everyone else was a volunteer.

Among the cast was a retired opera singer who played the leading role of Tevye. Many people in Polson know him as Bob Ricketts of Three Dog Down. He was ably supported by an excellent cast. Rita Tingey, a neat no-nonsense director, pulled the cast together into an excellent troupe. She was unstinting with her time and concern, working with those new members who had never “trod the boards” before. Ricketts spent much time with many of the singers. The rehearsal schedule was equally demanding, calling for three rehearsals each week. Wednesday evening, Friday evening, followed by an 8 a.m. call the next morning, Saturday.

The orchestra, composed of seven individuals who had never played together before, were an integral part of the production. One accordion player doubled on flute and piccolo, no small accomplishment. Rachael Pettit, who literally played the “Fiddler,” neatly embellished her excellent fiddle work by dancing with Tevye.

The audience loudly applauded at the conclusion of each musical number, definitely showing they were delighted with the production. Comments overheard during the intermission supported this feeling. At least two performances received standing ovations.

The venue, Ronan Performing Arts Center, was completed about two years ago. Community support was such that a permanent plaque is on one wall in the Grand Commons listing each supporter who purchased one of the theater seats. The theater seats about 340 people, the stage is large and deep, complete with a fly loft and fly rail, a scene shop, a rehearsal room, an excellent 96-channel lighting console and an excellent sound system. Some lights are in the back of the theater, the house left and house right balconies are equipped for hanging more lights. Three battens above the stage are equipped for stage lighting.

In the middle of rehearsals, a performance of “Alice in Wonderland” was held, necessitating many changes to the sets. The theater is also used for class work and the most recent performance of “Cabaret” was also held in the theater.

-Courtesy of Bob Bushnell and Olga Lincoln