Every musical theater performer dreams of participating in the prestigious and glamorous world of Broadway. Southern Lehigh 2010 graduate Matt Moisey will see his dream come true when he performs on Broadway this year in the revival of “Fiddler on the Roof.” Moisey will understudy the role of Motel the Tailor, the same character he played when Southern Lehigh performed “Fiddler” in 2008.

“I’m excited about absolutely everything,” Moisey said. “How could I not be?!”

Moisey will also be acting as a “swing,” which is an actor who understudies multiple ensemble parts in the event that an ensemble member is unable to perform.

“I could end up learning more than ten different ensemble parts!” Moisey said. “It’s a high-pressure, challenging job that requires a lot of quick studying, but it’s a great way for a young performer to learn the ropes!”

Moisey auditioned for the part in May and then jetted off to work on the West Coast. After receiving a callback in July, he had the opportunity to sing for the entire creative team, including the lyricist, Sheldon Harnick. On August 31, he was invited to join the cast.

“As nerve-wracking as auditions can be, I felt very honored to sing for one of  Broadway’s finest writers,” Moisey said. “[It’s] a moment I will never forget.”

Prior to being offered a spot on Broadway, Moisey built an impressive resume. During his time at Southern Lehigh, Moisey performed the lead of Tony in “West Side Story,” the lead role in “Curtains”, and of course, the role of Motel the Tailor in “Fiddler.” He was also choir president and performed in district, regional, and state choir. He even received first place at states during his final year of competition.

“Matt was very easygoing and very fun to work with, but he was a very serious musician,” choral and theater teacher Mr. Matt Wehr said. “He really buckled down and did a lot of the hard work that it takes to make a really good performer.”

Moisey attended Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he studied opera performance and music education.

“I owe this recent success, and frankly, everything, to the highly intelligent and deeply passionate mentors that guided me along the way,” Moisey said. “No one can do it alone, and a good teacher can make all of the difference.”

Moisey is grateful for the education and support that he received from Southern Lehigh’s strong musical theater program.

“The theater program and Mr. Wehr are doing a really excellent job at preparing students for the future,” junior Lauren Jardine said. “There really is a lot of work, time, and effort that goes into our productions.”

Moisey is unsure of what the future holds, but no matter what, he plans for it to involve musical theater.

“I don’t know how to do anything else,” Moisey said. “Seriously, I’m clueless. And I wouldn’t want it any other way!”

“Fiddler on the Roof” is scheduled to open on December 20.