It was a family affair for the Fine family of Alexandria at Lagniappe Theatre Wednesday night for the dress rehearsal of Fiddler on the Roof.

 

Alexandria Senior High Theatre alum and recent grad Belle Fine plays Hodel, alongside her mother Mariah (chorus), dad George (Mendel the Rabbi’s son), uncle Lee (Laser Wolf), and cousin Lee Fine, Jr (chorus). It is the first time all have been onstage together. 

 

“Theatre has always been a huge part of my life. I’ve been involved in the theatre since the second grade doing community theatre with Lagniappe Theatre Company and with my school,” Belle shares. I’d most recently seen Belle as Fanny Brice in ASH Theatre’s production of Funny Girl. She was fantastic. 

 

“My entire family has always been involved in the theatre starting with my grandparents who have been performing for 50 years. I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity to perform one last show in town with my family,” she continues. 

 

I did A Christmas Carol and Dead Man Walking with my children. It was a true bonding experience performing together. 

 

Fiddler on the Roof is the last time the Fines will have an opportunity to perform together before Belle leaves for college. It is the perfect send-off. “I am so excited to attend Oklahoma City University to pursue musical theatre and I’m thrilled to get to experience this show with my family.” 

 

The musical, set in 1905, tells the tale of Tevye, a Jewish milkman, in the little Russian town of Anatevka. At the start of the show, Tevye, his wife Golde, and their five daughters are preparing for Sabbath dinner when Yente, the town’s matchmaker, arrives. She tells Golde she has a possible match for Tzeitel, their eldest daughter. But Tzeitel is in love with Motel, the Tailor. It is the age-old conflict of following customs or your own heart. 

 

The Lagniappe cast stuns, as always, in the production that turns 60 this year. Lagniappe founder Ross Schexnayder plays Tevye with charisma and relatability, especially during the popular song If I Were a Rich Man. And oh is he funny! Schexnayder delivered his lines with such humor, particularly when dealing with his wife and five daughters, that I laughed out loud throughout the entire show. 

 

Another popular song from the musical, Matchmaker, Matchmaker, was a moving number performed by Tevye’s three oldest daughters (Fine, Sarah Catherine Laborde, and Katie Smith).  

 

This fabulous cast of all ages performs in every inch of the theater. Songs and choreography surround the audience in their seats, making it a truly interactive production. Watch for Fruma Sarah (Emma Babin) who steals the show in Tevye’s Dream. 

 

Full Cast:

 

Tevye – Ross Schexnayder

Golde – Amy Freeman

Yente, the Matchmaker – Spring Wester

Tzeitel – Sarah Catherine Laborde

Hodel – Belle Fine

Chava –Katie Smith

Shprintze – Evie LaFleur

Bielke – Daisy Wester

Lazar Wolf – Lee Fine Sr.

Motel, the Tailor – Austin Laenger

Perchik – Walker Cheek

Fyedka – Jacob Deville

Constable – Bill Elliott

Grandma Tzeitel – Katelyn Bush

Fruma Sarah – Emma Babin

Rabbi – Mike LaFleur

Mendel the Rabbi’s son – George Fine

Avram – Grant Blakeney

Mordcha the Innkeeper – Josh Flatt

Nachum the Beggar – Denton Jaques

Yussel the Milliner – Hudson Jaques

Shaindel, Mother of Motel – Ashleigh Allison

Sasha, a Russian – Jay Broussard

Boris, a Russian – Toby Broussard

 

Ensemble

Carson Elliott, Lee Fine Jr, Jamari Wilson, Jasper Moton, Maximus Flatt, Rhett Schexnayder, Leland McCullough, Garrett Wester, Lily Blakeney, Angel-Lena Wade, Corrine Guillory, Kaysie Busby, Mariah Fine, Hannah Culp, Kayden Shelmire, Ariel Wilson, Helen Blount, Carly Deville, Cora Wright, Lauryn Brenae Booth, Kristin Guillory, Ada Shoup, Chloe Jenkins, Reade Spivey, Victoria Love, Katelyn Bush, Emma Babin, Kaylee Shelton, Marlajah Green, Zhiveena Green, Zaria Hudson

 

Performances are Friday, July 12 and Saturday, July 13 at 7 PM and Sunday, July 14 at 2:30 PM. 

 

Tickets can be purchased in advance at https://www.lagniappetheatre.com/events/fiddler-on-the-roof or at the door based on availability. 

 

The Lagniappe Theatre Event Center is located at 7521 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria.