Audition Central: Fiddler on the Roof JR.

Script: Tevye

SIDE 1

(The exterior of TEVYE'S house. TEVYE is sitting on a bench)

TEVYE

Dear Lord, that was quite a dowry You gave my daughter Tzeitel at her wedding. Was that really necessary? Anyway, Tzeitel and Motel are married now. Almost two months. They work very hard, they are as poor as squirrels in winter. But they are both so happy, they don't know how miserable they are. They have big plans. Motel keeps talking about a sewing machine. I know You're very busy - but couldn't You take a second and get it for him. Oh, and while You're in the neighborhood, my horse's left leg - Am I bothering You too much? I'm sorry. As the Good Book says - Why should I tell You what the Good Book says?

SIDE 2

TEVYE

Good day. What were you and he talking about?
 

CHAVA

Nothing, but, Papa, Fydeka and I have known each other for a long time now and -
 

TEVYE

Chava, you must not forget who you are and who that man is.
 

CHAVA

He has a name, Papa.
 

TEVYE

Of course. All creatures on earth have a name.
 

CHAVA

Fyedka is not a creature, Papa. Fyedka is a man.
 

TEVYE

Who says that he isn't? It's just that he's a different kind of a man. As the Good Book says, "Each shall seek his own kind." Which means: a bird may love a fish, but where would they build a home together?

(Starts toward the tailor shop, but CHAVA grabs his arm)
 

CHAVA

The world is changing, Papa.
 

TEVYE

No. Some things will never change.
 

CHAVA

We don't feel that way.
 

TEVYE

We?
 

CHAVA

Fyedka and I. We want to be married.
 

TEVYE

Are you out of your mind?
 

CHAVA

But, Papa -
 

TEVYE

No! Never talk about this again. Never see him again! Never! Do you understand me?
 

CHAVA

Yes, Papa. I understand you.