Gallery 7 Theatre presents its production of the Tony Award-winning musical Fiddler on the Roof starting March 13 at the Abbotsford Arts Centre (2329 Crescent Way).
The play tells the story of Tevye, who lives in a tiny village in pre-revolutionary Russia where he 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 is a huge production for us as a theatre,” said Ken Hildebrandt, Gallery 7’s artistic/executive director.
“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, who 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,” she said.
“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 throughout 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.
Other cast members are Nathan Unger as Motel, the tailor, Kevin Hegeman as Perchik and Kenzie Hall as 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 makeup design is by Sharon Grogan. Stage manager is Yvonne Spuls and production photographer is Dianna Lewis.
Fiddler on the Roof runs March 13 and 14 and 19-21 at 7:30 p.m. with discount matinees on March 14 and 21 at 2 p.m.
For ticket prices and other information, visit gallery7theatre.com. Tickets can be purchased at House of James (2743 Emerson St.), by calling 604-852-3701 or on the Gallery 7 website.