'FIDDLER ON THE ROOF' Opens In Providence 2/10/09

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF has been heralded as one of the great masterpieces in American Musical Theatre. Based on the stories of Sholom Aleichem, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is a family musical about the bonds that hold husbands and wives and parents and children together in times of hardship and times of joy. Create a new tradition in your family and see FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at the Providence Performing Arts Center.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF performance times are Tuesday, February 10 at 7:00P, Wednesday, February 11 at 7:30P, Thursday, February 12 at 7:30P, Friday, February 13 at 8:00P, Saturday, February 14 at 2:00P & 8:00P, and Sunday, February 15 at 1:00 & 6:30P. Tickets for FIDDLER ON THE ROOF are $70, $65, $63, $58, $53, $48, $43; all ticket prices include a $3 per ticket restoration charge. Tickets for all shows can be purchased at PPAC's Box Office window, or by calling (401) 421-ARTS, Monday - Friday from 10A - 5P and Saturdays from 10A - 2P, or by visiting www.ppacri.org to purchase tickets any time. Discounted admission is available for groups of 20 or more; for more information, email Paul Hiatt at phiatt@ppacri.org or call (401) 574-3162.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF has received a warm welcome on stages around the world since its debut. From Broadway to Finland to Japan to Mexico to South Africa, the lovable, engaging milkman named Tevye has delighted audiences with his comical and wise observations on the family, marriage, and traditions. In what is a huge theatrical feat, audiences will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the original Tevye, Chaim Topol, perform the role that made him legendary with his award-winning film portrayal in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF.

The musical FIDDLER ON THE ROOF has established some traditions of its own. Its score, written by composer Jerry Bock and lyricist Sheldon Harnick, is comprised of a string of hits including "Sunrise, Sunset," "Matchmaker, Matchmaker," "If I Were A Rich Man," and "Do You Love Me?" One of the longest running musicals, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF enjoyed renewed success in its recent revival, proving that this show, with its universal themes, transcends the times in which it was written and is destined to be a favorite for generations.

Chaim Topol joins this tour on the heels of a successful, short tour in the South Pacific. Topol first played the role of Tevye onstage in 1967, and in 1972 he won a Golden Globe Award and was nominated for an Oscar in the Best Actor category for his performance in the film. In 1983 he reprised the role of Tevye in a London revival and in 1990 he again played the part in a Broadway revival and was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical.

Faithfully recreating Jerome Robbins' award-winning direction and choreography for this tour is Director Sammy Dallas Bayes, choreographer of the Broadway revival. In 1964 Jerome Robbins won matching Tony Awards for his direction and choreography of Broadway's FIDDLER ON THE ROOF.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is part of the 2008/2009 Broadway Series sponsored by Citizens Bank.

Log on to www.ppacri.org for more information about the 2008/2009 season.