FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Opens Today at the Norris Theatre

Palos Verdes Performing Arts mounts a new staging of "Fiddler on the Roof," the timeless musical that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide for more than 50 years. The production opens today, April 22 and will continue through May 8 at the Norris Theatre on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in the South Bay area of Los Angeles.

Helmed by Producing Artistic Director James Gruessing and Director Randy Brenner, the production features choreography by Roger Castellano and a live orchestra led by Music Director Sean Alexander Bart.

The theatrical masterpiece , based on the stories of Sholem Aleichem, which won nine Tony Awards for its 1964 debut, weaves together a portrait of family, community and life's unexpected miracles, large and small, and showcases a jubilant and beloved score, including "If I Were a Rich Man," Sunrise, Sunset," "Matchmaker, Matchmaker" and "Tradition.

With music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and book by Joseph Stein, the original production of "Fiddler on the Roof," ran for a record-setting total of 3,242 performances. In 1971, the musical became an Academy Award-winning film, and the show is currently in its fifth revival on Broadway.

In the Palos Verdes Performing Arts Center production, veteran actor John Massey stars as Tevye; Barbara Niles as Golde; Rachel Hirshee as Tzeitel; Carlin Castellano as Hodel; Kanani Rose as Hodel;; Jonathan Brett as Motel; Carol Kline as Yenta; Luke Monday as Perchik; Josh Wise as Fyedka, Martin Feldman as Lazar Wolf; Maggie Randolph as Fruma Sarah; Greg Nicholas as the Constable; Ashley Jewel as Schprintze; Alana Besikof as Bielke, with Andrew Metzger, Max Herzfeld, Adam Trent, Ron Rudolph, Mitchell Turner, Tiffany LaBarbera Palmer, Melanie Mockobey, Oliver Almonte, Eric Betts, Jean Sipos and Joan Perkins rounding out the cast.

Performances for the April 22 - May 8 run of "Fiddler on the Roof" are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, plus Saturday matinees on April 30 and May 7 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices range from $48-$58 with a $10 discount for children ages 12 and under. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the box office at (310) 544-0403 or to to www.palosverdesperformingarts.com. The Norris Theatre is located at 27570 Norris Center Drive in the city of Rolling Hills Estates.

Established in 1983, the nonprofit Palos Verdes Performing Arts (formerly named Norris Center for the Performing Arts) produces and presents a full season of professional, live theatre performances each year, from Broadway musicals to concerts and plays. The Center is comprised of three facilities; the 450-seat Norris Theatre, the Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion, and a dedicated conservatory that houses its acclaimed performing arts education program. Palos Verdes Performing Arts is located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, in the South Bay area of Los Angeles.