Note from the Stage Director
It has been almost 60 years since Fiddler on the Roof opened. The world has changed a lot.
Or has it?
Tevye struggles to keep his small dairy business going, his children push against the traditional Jewish ways, he can’t get his wife to agree with him all the time and the local government has plans to make them refugees.
Everywhere in the world we argue with spouses, worry about the kids’ futures, wish we had more money and more free time and too many still have to worry about being exiled from their homes. Audiences have found in this musical a rich reflection of their own needs and wants as people– community, purpose, joy and love.
For the villagers of Anatevka (in 1905 Russian Ukraine) life is harsh, constrictive, unpredictable but because of their religious faith and their ancient traditions they can find the strength, joy, and hope they need to keep going.
For Tevye, and the rest of us, life is crazy but rewarding, exciting and worth continuing - no matter where it leads. His traditions and hope go with him to the future.
Theresa Reed
Note from the Music Director
The music from Fiddler is familiar to audiences worldwide. It’s been a smash Broadway hit and was turned into a blockbuster movie. We in Fairbanks are lucky to have a rich tradition of producing musical theatre. This show is no exception. Our wonderful all local cast and crew are “all in” for bringing this timeless musical to our audience. We all hope you leave the theatre today humming some of these memorable and infectious tunes!
George Rydlinski
