![DEBUT: Ballarat's Prue Bell will make her professional musical theatre debut as an ensemble member in Fiddler on the Roof. DEBUT: Ballarat's Prue Bell will make her professional musical theatre debut as an ensemble member in Fiddler on the Roof.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/33y4GiStcdhYqjemwuizJCY/a5bac60b-193c-4b74-a547-26a4fcef02fd.JPG/r0_0_1066_1601_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
GROWING up, Prue Bell admits she never watched Fiddler on the Roof.
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But that didn’t stop the former Federation University Arts Academy student from auditioning for a role in the renowned musical.
“To be honest, I had never seen it but I knew of the songs,” Bell said.
“I think people will recognise a lot more songs than they thought they would. It’s a bit of a classic.”
Bell will make her professional musical theatre debut as a member of the ensemble in the new production of the timeless musical.
She said all cast members were not only required to watch the movie, but also conduct research into Jewish culture.
“We were advised by the director to watch the film and get an idea of the sound but also research into Jewish culture,” she said.
“Obviously, the musical is heavily based around that and we need to have an understanding of it.
“Mainly it was internet research and we also have a couple of cast members who have Jewish backgrounds so they were able to help out as well.”
Set to open at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre on December 29, Fiddler on the Roof follows the heart-warming journey of a family that has its traditional life turned upside down as the modern world starts to impact on life in their idyllic village.
Striving to maintain traditions, the classic tale is a celebration of life, love, family and ultimately a story of hope.
The Australian musical will feature theatre legend Anthony Warlow as well as renowned performers Sigrid Thornton, Lior and Mark Mitchell.
The production’s celebrated score features much-loved songs including Sunrise Sunset, Matchmaker, To Life and If I Were A Rich Man.
Bell said she never expected to land the ensemble role, especially since it was rare for graduating students to find paid work in their first year.
“My agent got me the audition and I wasn’t expecting any kind of successful outcome but this came about and it was amazing. I’m very lucky,” she said.
Bell graduated from the Arts Academy last year with a bachelor of performing arts in music before completing a national tour of Peppa Pig’s Big Splash with Lifelike Touring.
“That was really great. I had a lot of fun and learnt a lot. It was a five week tour and it was my first paid gig after graduating,” she said.