‘Fiddler on the Roof’ set for Cambridge
CAMBRIDGE – In the little Ukrainian village of Anatevka lives Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman with his wife, Golde and his five daughters, Tzeital, Hodel, Chava, Shprintze and Bielke.
As with any good Jewish man, all he wants is a little money, a happy wife and to follow tradition by approving good marriages for his daughters. The local matchmaker, Yente arranges a match for Tzeital, the oldest, to the rich widower, butcher Lazar Wolf. But, she loves the poor tailor Motel Kamzoil, so, they ask Teyve for his permission to marry and he agrees to please his daughter.
Their second daughter, Hodel, decides to marry the revolutionary student Perchik. Tevye feels forced to agree, but, when third daughter, Chava, decides she will marry the Christian Fyedka, Tevye can no longer accept this break in tradition. Once Chava is wed, Tevye considers her dead to him and the family.
With his constant challenges of poverty, prejudicial attitudes of non-Jews, his daughter’s marriages and nightmares with long dead Grandmas, what is a man to do? Whenever it all becomes too much, he talks to God, who is more willing to listen than his wife. Finally, Tevye must change his entire life when he, his family and his Jewish friends and neighbors are forced out of Anatevka by the Russian Czar’s troops.
The Cambridge Performing Arts Centre is excited to present this long standing Broadway favorite, “Fiddler on the Roof” that is rich in historical and ethnic detail, a musical with music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. The musical numbers including Matchmaker, If I Were a Rich Man, Sunrise, Sunset and Tradition! Directed by Mitch Mazaher, who also portrays Tevye, this production includes several local favorites and some new actors to the stage who will soon become favorites too.
Among some of the great voices you’ll hear will be Brent Miller as Lazar Wolf, Kayela Roberson as Tzeital, Aaron Lashley as Motel and Byrce Love as Fyedka. Mitch Mazaher and Pam Barron as Golde sing the duet Do You Love Me that’s both funny and tender. Pam also gives a beautiful rendition of The Sabbath Prayer. Newcomer Jenna Jordon as Hodel will touch your heart with Far From the Home I Love. Returning to the CPAC stage is Barb Jones as Fruma-Sarah. Barb starred as Mama Rose, the principal role, of CPAC’s very first opening production of Gypsy in 1977. Barb’s daughter, Audrey Kuklica, has a cameo in the production performing as the fiddler. Rounding out the principal roles are Cindy Carnahan as Grandma Tzeital and Anne Chlovechok as Yente.
The cast has been in rehearsal for several weeks learning music under the direction of Dr. Robert Owens Jones and Leonard Thomas and choreography and direction with Mitch Mazaher. With many others in additional roles, extras and, over 50 costumes to prepare, the costumer Beverly Bunn and assistant Kitrina Mazaher, along with the entire team, has enjoyed this huge undertaking that has been well worth the effort. This promises to be a fabulous show. Opening night is Friday, Oct. 4.
Performance dates are 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 4-5 and 11-12 and 3 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 6 and 13. Doors open one hour prior to curtain. General seating, no reservations necessary. The theater is located downtown Cambridge next to Theo’s. For additional information call Kitrina Mazaher at 740-680-0127.
Category: Arts & Entertainment
