MONMOUTH — “Fiddler on the Roof,” one the best-loved musicals of the past 50 years, will bring its heart-warming message of tradition in the face of adversity to Cumston Hall’s stage April 12-21. Monmouth Community Players has assembled a cast of 30 for this show, including roles for numerous young people from the Monmouth area.

Director Ray Fletcher said that’s a significant challenge, considering the small stage and limited back-stage space in the historic theater. Some resourceful set design by Fletcher and imaginative use of props will be used to bring the story to life.

The story revolves around Tevye, a milkman living in the Russian village of Anatevka in 1905, as he tries to maintain his family and Jewish traditions while outside influences invade their lives. Rick Messana, veteran of many plays and musicals throughout the area  portrays Tevya. Colleen Mahan plays Golde, his sharp-tongued wife who stands solidly with him through changing times and the perplexing attitudes and  behavior of their three eldest daughters. Tzeitel is played by Buffy Dumont, Hodel is played by Emily Trefethen, and Chava is portrayed by Sarah Record.

When Tevye’s daughters want to make their own matches in marriage, he must choose between his daughters’ happiness and beloved traditions that keep the outside world at bay. Ultimately, Tevye’s love of his family, his pride and his Jewish faith help him cope with the dangerous forces in Anatevka that threaten to destroy the very life he and his fellow villagers are trying to preserve.

The supporting cast includes Jackie McDonald as Yente, the Matchmaker; Jeff Fairfield as Motel; Justin Knaus-Tucker as Perchik; Andre Salisbury as Fyedka; Ray Fletcher as Lazar Wolf; and, as villagers and Russians, Jefferey Ahlquist, Kathi Asquith, Greg Basinet, Chris Dumont, Barbara Enman, Elaine Hanish, Adria Hughes, Brian MacDonald, David Marshall, Tommy Norris, Gregor Smith, Andy Tolman, Emma Vierling, John Webb, Emmeline Willey, Brandon Wright, Natalie Young and Cameron Gelder.

Brad Howard is musical director. In the orchestra pit is Kent Ackley as the Fiddler, and Kirsten Schkrioban on drums.  Fletcher said “Fiddler on the Roof” has plenty of humor and many poignant moments. It’s strong on family values and “it talks to our roots,” he said. He also noted that “at least four love stories are going on throughout the play.”

The set is minimal and “the cast is the crew,” he said. “You have to rely on your actors to set the stage.” A special feature is a 15-by-25-foot reproduction of a famous painting by Russian-French artist Marc Chagall popularly known as “The Village.” It is the backdrop for the entire show, containing many soft, dreamlike images overlapping each other. The significance of the painting lies in its seamless integration of various elements of Eastern European folktales and culture, both Russian and Yiddish.

Both the director of this production and its leading actor have extensive experience with their roles. Fletcher said he has played Tevya several times and Massana has portrayed Tevya four or five times since 1996, including a 2006 production by Community Little Theatre in Auburn.

Producer is Rich Howard, set designer is Ray Fletcher and lighting designer is Jeanne Fletcher. Christine Heckman is props manager and Linda Duarte is the stage manager.

With lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, music by Jerry Bock and book by Joseph Stein, “Fiddler on the Roof” opened on Broadway in 1964 and, at the time, became Broadway’s longest-running musical.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, April 12-13 and 19-20, at 2 p.m. Sundays, April 14 and 21. General seating tickets are $14 ($12 for seniors). Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.

Performances are at Cumston Hall, 796 Main St., Monmouth. The building is handicap-accessible. For more information, call 514-4929 or visit the Web site at www.monmouthcommunityplayers.com.

Golde (Colleen Mahan) moans, ‘You could die from such a man!’ as Tevye (Rick Messana) tries to impart his own brand of wisdom during MCP’s production of Fiddler on the Roof.

Copy the Story Link