FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Plays MCCC’s Kelsey Theatre Feb. 26- Mar. 7

Old world traditions run headlong into changing values and political turmoil in Czarist Russian when Playful Theatre Productions presents "Fiddler on the Roof" at Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre. 

It's 1905 in the village of Anatevka. Tevye, a poor milkman, and his wife, Golde, are struggling to stay true to their Jewish traditions as they raise five daughters, not all of whom are happy with the village's meddling matchmaker. Family drama is set against the backdrop of world events, with the ruling Russian government's anti-Semitism threatening to drive Tevye and his family from their home.

This moving saga is reinforced with a powerful musical score, including such treasured songs as "Tradition," "Sunrise, Sunset," "Matchmaker," and "To Life." First performed on Broadway in 1964, the show won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Musical Score and ran for a record-setting 3,242 performances. It was made into an Academy Award-winning film in 1971. Revivals by professional and community companies, and schools nationwide have made "Fiddler" one of the most popular stage musicals of all time.

Starring in "Fiddler on the Roof" are: Tom Bessellieu of Lawrenceville as Tevye and ElizaBeth Martinetti of Princeton as Golde. Daughters are played by Kate Franklin of Richboro, Pa., as Schprintze; Rachel Haber of Richboro, Pa., as Chava; Ashley Hencken of Westhampton as Tzeitel; Marissa Marciano of Cranbury as Bielke; and Theresa Schwickert of Lawrenceville as Hodel. Other colorful characters include Steven Auzuini of East Windsor is Motel; Sharon Underberg of Belle Mead as Shaindel; Bonnie Cusack of Hamilton Square as Yente; Kaitlynn Ely of Hightstown as the Fiddler; Fred Gropper of Yardley, Pa., as Mordcha; Marc Flicker of Yardley, Pa., as Nachum the Beggar; Ellen LaCorte of Titusville as Grandma Tzeitel; Thomas Randby of Richboro, Pa., as Perchick; Joe Rodriguez of Hillsborough as Lazar Wolf; Jaimie McMillin of Bordentown as Frumah Sarah; Jeff Scharf of Yardley, Pa., as the Rabbi; Dan Slothower of Plainsboro as the Constable; Joe Smith of Newtown, Pa., as the Priest; and Ken McCormick of Hamilton as Avrahm; and Brendan Stackhouse of Richboro, Pa., as Fydeka. Also featured are: Jeb Barkenbush and Mia Barkenbush of West Windsor, Judy Berwick of Lawrenceville, Glen Bortolus of West Windsor, MaryRose Brendel of Cranbury, Heather Dixon of Trevose, Pa., Justin Drach of National Park, Sophie Freedman of Yardley, Pa., LeaRae Frenock of Yardley, Pa., Alana Greener of Princeton Junction, Tina Henderson of Philadelphia, Pa., Michael Kerr of Trenton, Suzanne Lawrence of Cranbury, William Mercado of Hightstown, Jack Petzko of Cranbury, Donna Reed of Hamilton, Jeffrey Rosenthal of Dayton and Heather Santos of Plainsboro.

The production staff includes producer SuzAnne Smith, director Paula Barson, musical director David Raunick, choreographer Dani Tucci-Jurago, conductor James Capes, costume designer Kate Pinner, lighting and set designer Judi Parrish, and master builder John Russell.

One of Broadway's longest-running hits, dates and times for "Fiddler" are: Fridays, Feb. 26 and Mar. 5 at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, Feb. 27 and Mar. 6 at 2 and 8 p.m.; and Sundays, Feb. 28 and Mar. 7 at 2 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is located on the college's West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening night performance on Feb. 26. Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $12 for students and children. Free parking is available next to the theater. Tickets may be purchased online at www.kelseytheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible. For a complete listing of adult and children's events for the season, visit the Kelsey website or call the box office for a brochure.

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