Anthro-Oceana

by Natalie K., 8th Grade

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Don’t Miss It! Parker’s “Fiddler on the Roof”

-by Drew J., Grade 8

“I didn’t really plan on it at all,” says Willy Downing, who plays the lead role of Tevye in Parker’s ‘Fiddler on the Roof’, when asked why he decided to try out for the musical. “When people told me to [try out] I guess I felt I had to, otherwise I would let a lot of people down.” He later goes on to say “I thought there was little to no chance [I’d] get the role…When I got called back for the role of Tevye, I actually thought I had a chance.”

Fiddler on the Roof takes place in 1905 Russia. The country is in the midst of major political changes, and one of the things going on is unkind treatment to the Jews in Russia. This musical follows the family of Tevye, who is a Jewish milk man and the father of five daughters. They go through some of the changing traditions and hardships of a Jew living in Russia during this time.

Willy also says that he sings in most musical pieces and believes he has over 100 lines. They’ve been rehearsing since January, so he feels he should be ready by opening night. “The last couple of weeks we rehearse every day.” said Mr. Clark, who is Parker’s music teacher and the director of the drama club. I asked Mr. Clark if he likes working with kids more than adults. “Absolutely,” was his response “I have never directed adults [and] don’t plan on working with adults…I relate to kids better.”

If you think that this production will be low-tech then you’re wrong. There are over a hundred different people other than the cast involved working on things such as props, lighting, sound effects and music. “It’s a huge community effort,” said Mr. Clark. He goes on to praise Mrs. Davis, Ms. Copeland and Mrs. Webster for their contributions. There is a lot to do, however Mr. Clark seems confident saying “We will definitely be ready for opening night.”

Willy seems to be enjoying his time acting, saying “The most fun thing by far is actually being on the stage…It’s almost like the whole place you’re in changes to that scenario…I’ll probably be in more plays after this.” Willy is currently in a band, but I asked if his musical career doesn’t take-off would he ever consider acting. He responded “I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.”

I’ve heard many great things about past Parker productions and I’d expect no less from this one. Tickets are $9 and $7. You can find more information on how to buy them on Parker’s Edline page. Show times are listed below.

Thursday March 3rd @ 6pm
Friday March 4th @ 7:30pm
Saturday March 5th @ 2pm

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The Don

by Tristan A. – 8th Grade

I drew this because I was inspired by my Sicilian background. I was so inspired I bought both of the Godfather video games, and I also saw the first Godfather movie.

It took very long to make this picture because I needed to keep every part in proportion so he didn’t look disfigured. I did this countless times until I got it just right. I do multiple drafts of drawings, just like when you write a novel.  You never really get it right the first few times.

I am best at drawing portraits of men. I think it is because their features are more defined and hard. With the Don I spent a lot of time on his nose (Probably because it took up half his face; I traced over it lightly and then darkened it up). Eyes, however, are my favorite part of the face to draw, because I think you can really read a person when you look deep in their eyes.

I always carry a pad of paper around with me, a few very sharp pencils, and a sharpener.You never know when the urge to draw will spike up in me.

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