MONMOUTH — “Fiddler on the Roof” has scored a big hit on the small Cumston Hall stage. With reliance on a minimal set but major talent, this classic musical once again highlights the universal values of family and tradition.

This is accomplished by Monmouth Community Players with remarkable success. The show has a cast of three dozen actors of all ages. Some are new to community theatre and others have extensive regional stage credits.

Director Raymond Fletcher has blended this wide range of experience into a smooth performance that delivers a powerful story. The role of Tevye is central and essential to “Fiddler,” and Rick Messana’s portrayal is exceptional. He recreates that iconic role with warm humor and deep emotion, as well as a fine baritone voice. His performance packs many memorable moments into this production’s Tevya.

“Fiddler on the Roof” produced some of the most familiar songs in Broadway history, and they all receive excellent treatment here. They include “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” “To Life,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” “Tradition” and “Far From the Home I Love.” A duet between Tevye and Golda, “Do You Love Me?,” is heart-felt and effective.

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 of the approaching Russian revolution invade their lives. He is aided by his sharp-tongued wife Golde, ably played by Colleen Mahan, and hindered by the strong-willed actions of his three eldest daughters, Tzeitel (Buffy Dumont), Hodel (Emily Trefethen), and Chava (Sarah Record).

Tevye’s frequent talks with God are a particularly delightful feature of “Fiddler.” Messana, who is a veteran of regional stage, is playing Tevye for the sixth time. He is pastor of the North Livermore Baptist Church.

This MCP production is also a familiar undertaking for director Ray Fletcher. He has played Tevya a few times, and in this production he takes on the role of Lazar Wolf, the butcher seeking the hand of Tzeitel. Messana and Fletcher have a key scene together, and Fletcher said the mutual chemistry of those past productions made the experience especially meaningful to them.

There are numerous fine performances among the supporting actors. Jeff Fairfield plays Motel, the tailor who courts Tzeitel. His acting is solid and he does a fine job with a solo number, “Miracle of Miracles.”

Jackie McDonald provides laughs with her comic touches to the role of Yente, the matchmaker. In a dream sequence, Kathi Asquith gives a ghostly appearance as Fruma-Sarah. She, and Elaine Hanish as Grandma Tzeitel in the same scene, deliver brief but entertaining characterizations. Asquith is also Shaindel, Motel’s mother.

Justin Knaus-Tucker does a very good job as Perchik, the student who also wins a daughter, and Andrew Salisbury gives a memorable performance as Fyedka, a Christian who marries Chava. Andy Tolman has occasional humorous advice and blessings for all as the rabbi, and David Marshall also does a fine job as the Russian constable.

Villagers and Russians are played by Jefferey Ahlquist, Greg Basinet, Chris Dumont, Barbara Enman, Adria Hughes, Brian MacDonald, David Marshall, Tommy Norris, Gregor Smith, Andy Tolman, Emma Vierling, John Webb, Emmeline Willey, Brandon Wright, Natalie Young, Cameron Gelder and Eli Christman.

In the orchestra pit, and sometimes on side-stage, is Kent Ackley as the Fiddler. Brad Howard, music director, is on keyboard, Rebecca Lazure on clarinet and Kirsten Schkrioban on drums. This show is produced by Rich Howard with props by Christine Heckman, set design by Ray Fletcher and lighting design by Jeanne Fletcher.

Linda Duarte is the stage manager. “Fiddler” is one of the longest running shows on Broadway. It won nine Tony Awards in 1965 for its original production and Zero Mostel won acclaim as the original Tevye. The music is by Jerry Bock, with lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and book by Joseph Stein. It’s based on a story by Sholem Aleichem.

Performances are at Cumston Hall, Monmouth. Remaining show dates and times are Friday and Saturday, April 19-20, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 21, at 2 p.m. For tickets, call 514-4929 and for more information go online to www.monmouthcommunityplayers.com.