‘Fiddler’ family extends on and off Everett stage

Published 7:23 pm Thursday, June 4, 2009

This is not acting.

The way sisters Brooklynn, Beth and Julie El Fattal love each other is not something you can stage.

But this is the first time the three will showcase that love when they star together as stage sisters in the musical “Fiddler on the Roof.”

To add to this family affair, their mother, Jenni El Fattal, also has a part as one of the villagers, making this the first time she will act with her daughters.

All four are part of the Northwest Savoyards’ production of “Fiddler on the Roof,” which continues through June 21 at the Historic Everett Theatre.

“It’s such a rush to be onstage with them,” Jenni El Fattal said. “I have the best seats in the house to watch my daughters.”

El Fattal has volunteered backstage before with the Savoyards and has taken publicity photos. This time she scored an ensemble role after several people dropped out of the production.

Her daughters have been onstage together before, but never where all had starring roles.

“I really love being with my sisters in a show because it gives us a chance to do something together when normally Brook is away at college,” said Beth El Fattal, 11.

Beth plays Chava, the troublemaker who rebels against her father, Tevye, because she wants to marry outside their Jewish faith.

“It’s cool because we all work together and work toward the same point together,” said Beth of her sisters.

Brooklynn El Fattal, 18, is a freshman at Seattle Pacific University studying to become a music teacher. She plays sister Hodel, who picks out a revolutionary as a husband without her father’s permission.

When asked about any acting rivalry among her sisters, Brooklynn basically balked.

“Oh, no. It’s definitely taken a lot of cooperation for all of us,” Brooklynn said. “I think it’s brought us closer together.”

When those words left her lips, Brooklynn’s voice carried them in almost a question, instinctively knowing how cliche the line would sound. Still, the truth must be told.

“We’ve gotten along more than normal sisters. We love each other,” Brooklynn pronounced.

Brooklynn also confessed that her favorite song from this timeless musical was “Matchmaker,” sung by the sisters.

“I’m kind of biased because I’m part of the sisters, but it’s definitely a lot of fun,” she said.

If that wasn’t enough to melt your heart, the sisters sat happily together during a rehearsal break, sharing smiles and giggles while 5-year-old Julie sat on Brooklynn’s lap.

Julie El Fattal plays Bielke. The Madison Elementary student leans on her sisters throughout the show.

“When I need help with a scene, it’s great to have my sisters there,” Julie said.

Julie was described as the super sponge of the trio. All agreed that she knows everyone’s lines and has never forgotten her own.

“Only once,” Julie interrupted.

For mom, seeing her daughters transform, especially Beth, who went from bookworm to confident stage star, has been unexpected.

“During their time with the Savoyards, they have simply grown in leaps and bounds,” said Jenni El Fattal. “And while they still have their sisterly quarrels here and there, I do believe these moments are something they will treasure.”

Theresa Goffredo: 425-339-3424, goffredo@heraldnet.com