#BehindtheCurtain: Get to Know Tamara Rodriguez

Posted February 22, 2024

If you’ve seen a production of Fiddler on the Roof before, you know Tevye doesn’t exactly have an easy time with his five daughters! They are passionate dreamers who aren’t afraid to challenge tradition, and Tevye’s oldest, Tzeitel, is the first to push those boundaries! As he says in the show “the wit she gets from me, the tongue she gets from her mother”. In our production, the role of Tzeitel is played by the incredibly talented Tamara Rodriguez, and it’s a true masterclass watching her bring this role to life. Drawing on years of professional experience, her performance carries so much nuance as she balances the love and hope of her character with the strong will needed to go against her father’s wishes. Having last appeared in our production of Annie Get Your Gun, we are so excited to welcome Tamara back to the SDMT Stage! This week we spent some time interviewing her, and we can’t wait to share her answers to our favorite blog questions with you all. Continue reading below to get know Tamara a little more, and then make sure you purchase your tickets to see Fiddler on the Roof running from now until March 10th on the SDMT Stage!

How long have you been performing/what inspired you to get into musical theatre?

I started performing and competing in dance at age 6, but I didn’t get into musical theatre until I was a little older. My first musical theatre show was The Sound of Music at 14 yrs old. I definitely caught the performing bug early, though, and I haven’t looked back!

Photo by Ken Jacques

If you could tell the audience anything about this show, what would it be? And does it have any special meaning to you?

This show really hits home for me. My Grandpa Bronyslav Reuben Mehl played the violin ( He was my Fiddler on the Roof) , my earliest memory of him is hearing him speak Yiddish with his sister, whenever they didn’t want anyone else to understand. They survived by moving to Mexico before 1942, and he and my mom would religiously watch Fiddler on the Roof. Because of all that, I connect with my ancestors every night in Anatevka. I’m so lucky and proud to be in this show.

Photo by Ken Jacques

If you had to pick, what is your favorite scene or number in the show?

I can’t help but love Motel’s song “Miracle of Miracles!” A girl can get used to being adored and serenaded, and what a voice! I melt every show!

Photo by Ken Jacques

What is a dream role or dream show of yours? If you have a few, feel free to list them all!

It’s so hard to pick just one; I am living the dream every day! I do love working on new shows, but I would love to do Phantom of the Opera, Band’s Visit, Nine, and MJ one day.

Photo by Julie Licari

This musical explores themes of family and tradition. Do you have any fun traditions either you or your family do?

We do! We put out a Menorah and Christmas Tree in December every year, and my family loves to send funny Holiday cards!

And finally, what is the most relatable aspect of your character?

I adore Tzeitel and can relate to her in so many ways. She is so pure of heart and has such a precious spirit. She is all in for the people she loves. She knows what she wants and will do the work to get to her dreams, whatever it takes.

Fiddler on the Roof Creative Team:
Director: Omri Schein
Choreographer: Jill Gorrie Rovatsos
Music Director: Richard Dueñez Morrison

CLICK HERE to buy tickets!

Photo by Ken Jacques

San Diego Musical Theatre