Kayla Kiley/The Pleiad

The cast of "Fiddler on the Roof" vibrantly danced around the stage while singing the show’s signature song "L’chai-im" during practice Thursday night. Though much of the routine seemed spontaneous, each step had been closely calculated.

"We’ve worked hard to keep the choreography culturally correct," said Kristy Clement, Rockford senior. "Unlike most shows, ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ came with a dance manual."

Focused around a Jewish shtetl [town] in 1905 during the Russian tsarist era, the characters of "Fiddler on the Roof" are faced with the winds of change against their Old World lifestyle and traditions.

Scheduled to run Feb. 28 through March 3, "Fiddler on the Roof" was chosen by Albion’s play selection committee for its "wonderful roles and musical contrast," according to Amanda Dekker, Northville junior and assistant director.

Musically, the show focuses on some traditional Jewish cultural songs and melodies.

Many members of the cast and crew have been working closely with Hillel, a campus group centered on Judaism and its traditions, to make sure everything in the show is as realistic as possible.

"It’s really interesting to learn about the Jewish faith and culture through ‘Fiddler on the Roof,’" said Kent Wood, Traverse City senior, who plays the role of Perchik. "The cast and directors have worked really hard to make as many parts culturally accurate, but especially the Sabbath prayer, dinner and the wedding [in the musical]."

Kayla Kiley/The Pleiad

"There are very few musicals that have the depth and power that this possesses in its straightforward, no tricks, no gimmicks style. It has such a universal human message," said John King, Albion music professor, who plays Lazar Wolf.

Sarah Schramm, Troy sophomore and stage manager, particularly enjoyed working with the faculty members in the cast, Robert Starko, professor of theatre and King.

"It’s a great opportunity to work with both professors," Schramm said. "Starko, he really pulls you up with not only his acting but his level of professionalism as well."

The youngest cast members have also learned more than just dance moves throughout the play’s production.

"It’s hard to learn all the dancing, staging, singing and lines, but it’s so fun to come and be here!" said Hanae Weber who plays the role of Shprintze.

Miya Dunham, age 10, who plays the role of a villager, concurred. "I love doing the musical because everyone is so nice and lots of the college people act like little kids too."

But the diverse cast has faced their share of challenges.

Because of the school calendar this semester, the cast has only five weeks of rehearsal time before the curtain is set to rise. Many members of the cast see this as quite a challenge especially since auditions just took place Jan. 22 through 24.

"The shorter production period definitely makes it more difficult, but the cast is very dedicated, and I know we’ll get it done and do great," said Lauren Perry, Westland sophomore, who plays the part of Yente.

More difficult than general plays, musicals demand more blocking, choreography and rehearsal.