Playing the fiddler

Because he is a male violinist, Jacob Glaus fit the part by default.

"I wasn't really into drama but a lot of people found out I play the violin," he said.

Glaus, a sophomore at Saxony Lutheran High School, will fiddle in the school's production of "Fiddler on the Roof" this weekend, his theater debut. The musical, set in early 20th century Russia, depicts religious changes in the country.

Glaus climbed to his perch on the roof for the first time during rehearsal Tuesday. He played around with the pose, eventually finding his balance on a bail of hay tucked away behind the barn roof.

"I just don't want to fall down," he said before attempting the climb.

Saxony Lutheran's "Fiddler on the Roof" production opens this weekend. (Kit Doyle)

Glaus said he started playing the violin in first grade. The instrument, he said, helped him appreciate different types of music. During the show, students dressed in period clothing perform traditional Jewish wedding dances, accompanied by Glaus and other musicians.

Although he did not know much about the music in the production, he said it is fun to play. Glaus said he learned about 15 songs in two to three weeks for the musical.

"I was kind of scared because this music was hard in the beginning," he said.

As the fiddler, he does not have any lines and said he prefers it. He said he would lend a hand musically for future productions.

"I'm not much for the acting, but if they need music, I'd do that," he said.

Actors practice a wedding reception dance scene Tuesday, April 21, 2009, for the Saxony Lutheran production of Fiddler on the Roof at Perry Park Center. (Kit Doyle)

Students will perform Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. in the Perry Park Center in Perryville, Mo. Tickets are available at the school or at the door and cost $7 for adults and $5 for students.

abusch@semissourian.com

388-3627

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Pertinent address:

2004 Saxony Drive Jackson, MO

800 City Park Drive Perryville, MO