After great consideration ‘The Fiddler on the Roof’ was chosen as the school musical for 2018. What a good choice it turned out to be with many long term ‘Columba Musical Goers’ saying it was the best show ever.

Some very talented girls from Columba played the women’s roles. While it is hard to mention everyone, Piper Charteris and Erin Dailey need special mention for their superb performances in challenging roles. Anna Snow, Emily Hill, Rooma Shailaj as the daughters were very polished in their performance. Throughout her performance as the ghost, Tessa Campbell was stunning.

It was quite a challenge for Mr Madden to find enough boys for the show but he found a quality group from John McGlashan College, Otago Boys High School, Bayfield High School and Logan Park High School. Tyler Proctor as Tevya really impressed every audience.

‘The Fiddler on the Roof’ is supposed to be Mr Madden’s last musical, so he says. It is the third Columba show that Gladys Hope has brought her directing expertise to the College for. Glenda Simpson, helped by Anwyn Walker, choreographed the moves for the big number ‘Tradition’ at the start. Shona Henderson took on the choreography for the rest – including the bottle dance (without bottles). This particular dance by the boys got an ovation every night.

‘The Fiddler on the Roof’ is challenging with its music, its dances, its dialogue and its costumes. It is a credit to the cast that they took their roles so seriously to bring together such a wonderful and intricate show. Thank you to all of the helpers: costumes, makeup, props, lighting, sound, design, ticket sales, finance, who willingly gave so much time to make this a great musical. Thank you especially to Mr Madden and Gladys Hope for their work but most importantly thank you to the cast.