Tony Award-Winning Musical, Fiddler on the Roof, Hits Gallery 7 Theatre Stage
Submitted. Gallery 7 Theatre is thrilled to present the Tony Award-winning musical hit, Fiddler on the Roof, as its next production in their 2014/2015 Refined by Fire theatre season. With music by Jerry Bock, book by Joseph Stein and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, the production opens March 13th at the theatre’s new venue, Abbotsford Arts Centre.
Living in a tiny village in pre-revolutionary Russia, Tevye etches out a meager life as a dairy farmer while raising his five daughters in the traditions and values of his Jewish faith. Facing eviction by the anti-Semitic Czarist regime, Tevye’s world is further challenged when each of his three eldest daughters select husbands that could threaten the very fabric of his long-held, much-beloved customs. This endearing and highly adored Tony-Award winning musical probes the tension that exists between tradition and the values of a restless, ever-changing world.
“This is a huge production for us as a theatre,” explains Ken Hildebrandt. “We’ve assembled a very talented cast of 24 along with a live orchestra. Though it’s a big show, we’re very excited to be staging this special and much-beloved story about fathers and daughters, love, faith, family, change and even persecution. I think families are in for a real treat.”
Directing the play is TWU Theatre graduate, Charlene Crawford. Crawford last directed The Fantasticks for Gallery 7 Theatre. “When approaching how to direct this play, I didn’t want to get lost in the tradition and lose sight of the relevance of the story. My cast will tell you that I often say, ‘a traditional show for modern sensibilities’,” she explains. “My hope is that as you lose yourself in the music, the story, your favourite moments, your new favourite moments, you don’t get hung up on tradition. I hope that you experience this story like you’ve never heard it before, and that it reminds you of a story you know.”
Playing the role of Tevye is Arne Larsen, who will be remembered for his performance as El Gallo in The Fantasticks and many other productions through-out the Lower Mainland. Tevye’s long-suffering wife, Golde, will be played by Ruth Kult, who last appeared as the Navy Officer in Lord of the Flies. Tevye’s oldest daughters, Tzeitel, Hodal and Chava will be played by Bethany Caldwell, Becca Toews and Anastasia McIntosh respectively. Nathan Unger will play Motel, the tailor, Kevin Hegeman will play Perchik and Kenzie Hall will play Fyedka. The role of Lazar Wolf will be played by Barry Witmer and the role of Yente, the matchmaker, will be played by Caroline Pignatelli.
Rounding out the cast are Tamara Charman, Abigail Curwen, Pat Davis, Walt Derksen, Lora Dijk, Sheldon Jeans, Cameron McKerchar, Michael McIntyre, Linda McRae, Glen Pinchin, Elizabeth Seaman, Brittany Suderman, Emily Smith and Chris Tayler.
Musical direction is by Dave Rosborough and choreography is by Rebekah Kliewer. Set and costume design is by Rafaella Rabinovich, lighting design is by Mark Stevens and make-up design is by Sharon Grogan. Stage manager is Yvonne Spuls and production photographer is Dianna Lewis.
Fiddler on the Roof runs for two weeks only, March 13 & 14, 19 – 21, 2015 at 7:30 PM with discount matinees on March 14 & 21 at 2:00 PM at the Abbotsford Arts Centre, 2329 Crescent Way, Abbotsford. Tickets for evening performances are $23 Adults, $21 Students & Seniors, $20 Groups (8+) and $15 for Children 12 & under. Tickets for matinee performances are $18 General Admission and $15 Children 12 & under. They can be purchased at House of James, 2743 Emerson Street, Abbotsford (1-800-665-8828 or 604-852-3701) or online at www.gallery7theatre.com.
(left to right) Becca Toews, Arne Larsen, Anastasia McIntosh and Bethany Caldwell perform in Fiddler on the Roof. Photo by Dianna Lewis, Creative Memory Studios.