Meet Our Tevye's

Our February 2014 production of Fiddler on the Roof is just around the corner. While you're waiting patiently for opening night, let us take a moment to introduce you to the two leading lads playing the role of Tevye: Joe Likuski and Doug Tranquada. These two actors bring their unique perspectives and expertise to this role, and we can't wait for you to see them on stage this February.

Joe Likuski

Hometown: Edmonton One song that always puts you in a good mood: Froggy went a courtin'; Beautiful City Favourite winter activity: Sitting by a fireplace Biggest 'tradition': Coming down the stairs for Christmas Favourite Broadway composer: Stephen Schwartz. He makes magic for us to share. Favourite musical: Children of Eden or Secret Garden

What's your favourite memory from your performing arts experiences? Joe: "Many. You know when the audience is connected... and when that happens all their energy fuels the cast and everybody becomes part of a one-time-only experience. I have also been lucky to work with Wavestage for many years and it has been wonderful to watch young people grow into hugely talented performers who now command their own space on stage, both with us and abroad."

Has your preparation for this role taught you anything? Joe: "Traditions are important to help guide us as we learn about life, but in reality we often have to make allowances to make room for growth. In the end, who we are is less about the practices we follow and more about how we help support others."

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Doug Tranquada

Hometown: Toronto One song that always puts you in a good mood: "It's a tossup between two Neapoliton songs by Francesco Paulo Tosti - L'alba separa dalla luce l'ombra, which tells the story of a man who reluctantly accepts his mortality knowing that his dreams will live on. The other is Ideale, which speaks very metaphorically of the return of perfect love and with it, the rise of a new dawn. Both beautiful and both so pleasurable to sing" Favourite winter activity: For pure peace, serenity and calmness of self, I love to walk alone through snowy woods up north. Biggest 'tradition': "Without a doubt, it’s Christmas morning. In particular, breakfast. All the gifts aside, having our traditional morning meal means more than any other tradition to me. It’s known as Garlic Pork and it is simply chunks of pork seasoned and marinated for a week and then baked or fried. The house stinks. Your clothes stink. Your breath stinks. You stink. But it is the most delicious meal I eat all year long. And it is only ever done at Christmas. My late father tried it once at Easter but we decided it just wasn’t the same – we never did that again. Anyone who eats it is immediately converted." Favourite Broadway composer: Rodgers & Hammerstein Favourite musical: My Fair Lady

What has been your biggest challenge thus far in developing your portrayal of Tevye? Doug: "Tevye is so well identified with Topol’s masterful portrayal, it is very difficult to not become a mimic. Having said that, however,  Tevye has many sides to him and the real challenge is allowing all of the sides to show through. He is true to his traditions, his faith and his family. He is an honest man trying to survive in a changing world."

Has your preparation for this role taught you anything? Doug: "It has taught me to cherish the times that you have with your loved ones because only the memories last forever. Being a father to 2 pleasant boys as opposed to 5 pleasant girls, I  understand Tevye’s dreams for his children and their futures. I understand his disappointment when they choose differently than he thinks they should. I understand his acceptance of things that cannot be changed.  I think you could easily transplant Tevye into any normal family in any given time period."

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Grab your tickets for Fiddler on the Roof here! See it from February 6-9 at the Newmarket Theatre.