The air was electric when Topol appeared on stage at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, with the crowd’s welcoming ovation actually drowning out his first several lines. And it only got better from there!

Nearly 130 Biola alumni and friends attended the August 18th performance to see Topol in his farewell tour as Tevye, the Jewish milkman philosopher, in Fiddler on the Roof. The evening began with an hors d’oeuvres reception at an adjacent restaurant, with plenty of time to meet and mingle. At intermission, Biola guests were treated to refreshments with President Barry H. Corey, in a lovely terrace setting outside Segerstrom Hall.

For alumni Ben (’03) and Kelly (Van Deusen, ’05) Wright, Fiddler on the Roof was a first-time experience with the Alumni Association, and proved to be just the birthday gift Ben wanted for Kelly.

According to Ben, “I surprised my wife for her birthday with the Biola gathering for Fiddler. The night offered more of a memory than either of us anticipated. Quietly, we made our way to a table at Leatherby’s that offered a soothing, expansive view of the arts center. Hearts warmed by conversations with old friends and our chests by the OC sunlight and mugs of Darjeeling tea, we moved on to the show, where Topol’s natural performance exceeded it all-like an evening with an idiosyncratic and beloved grandfather. We’ll look back on this fondly for many years. Thanks for putting together a great evening!”

Kelly was another satisfied guest, commenting, “I am so thankful my first official Biola alumni experience was the Fiddler on the Roof event. It was the perfect birthday celebration: a night out, delicious food, great company, relaxing atmosphere and a heart-warming performance by Topol and all the cast. I am now surprised that it has taken us four years to get involved in the Biola alumni events. It will definitely not be the last time we participate!”

For the full line-up of upcoming alumni and friends events, visit www.biola.edu/alumnieventscalendar. We hope you’ll join Ben and Kelly and come out for an event soon!