FIDDLER ON THE ROOF National Tour Comes To The State Theater

"Without our traditions, our lives would be as shaky as...as a FIDDLER ON THE ROOF," announces Tevye, a humble milkman from the Russian village of Anatevka. And so begins a tale of love and laughter, devotion and defiance...and changing traditions.

The National Tour of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF will be at the State Theatre in Easton for two performances, January 26th & 27th at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $60 & $55 and available by calling 1-800-999-STATE (610-252-3132), online at www.statetheatre.org or at the State Theatre Box Office, 453 Northampton Street in Easton.

Performances are sponsored by Sheridan Printing, lehighvalleylive.com, Hotel Bethlehem, M&T Bank & ComForcare Senior Services.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, the Tony Award® winning musical that has captured the hearts of people all over the world with its universal appeal, embarks on its North American Tour. In what is a huge theatrical feat, audiences will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to see Jerome Robbins' original Broadway direction and choreography, starring veteran actor John Preece.

Tevye's wrestling with the new customs of a younger generation is punctuated by an unforgettable score that weaves the haunting strains of "Sunrise, Sunset" and the rousing "If I Were A Rich Man" with the exuberant "Matchmaker, Matchmaker" and triumphant "Tradition." When his daughters choose suitors who defy his idea of a proper match, Tevye comes to realize, through a series of incidents that are at once comic and bittersweet, that his children will begin traditions of their own. At the story's close, the villagers of Anatevka are forced to leave their homes and even the sturdy mores that have guided everyday life begin to crumble. Paradoxically, it is the enforced loss of the rigid traditions and home life that Tevye has tried so tenaciously to preserve that leads the family to reconcile and draw closer still.

A perennial hit since it first opened in 1964, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF has enjoyed critical acclaim for bringing to the stage a poignant story about the enduring bonds of the family. Now, the National Touring production of this timeless musical brings the wit and wisdom of Tevye and his family to audiences throughout the United States.

Mr. Preece has performed in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF over 3,100 times, 1,500 of which were in the role of Tevye the milkman, this production marks Mr. Preece's 9th national tour of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF.

SPECIAL PRE-SHOW EVENT, JAN 26
Prior to the Wednesday, January 26th performance, a pre-show reception and mixer will be held in the State Theatre Gallery beginning at 5:30 PM, sponsored by ComForcare, the Nazareth Area Chamber of Commerce and Whitehall Area Chamber of Commerce. The event is free, open to the public and will includes sample foods from local businesses and raffle prizes.

Photo Credit: © 2010, Carol Rosegg