The Nevada Conservatory Theatre production of Fiddler on the Roof opens November 23, the day after Thanksgiving, in the Judy Bayley Theatre at UNLV.
Based on the 1894 stories of Sholem Aleichem, a popular Russian Jewish author of Yiddish literature, the musical centers on a character named Tevye. Arnold Perl had previously adapted the Tevye stories into a play entitled Tevye and His Daughters and it is with Perl's special permission that the stories were used for the musical, with book by Joseph Stein, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and music by Jerry Bock.
It is the turn of the century, and Tevye is a poor dairyman in Czarist Russia trying to instill in his daughters the traditions of the Jewish community during a period of anti-Semitism and changing social mores that are forcing Jews out. The musical tells Tevye's story with humor, warmth and honesty, and its themes cut across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion.
David Brummel plays the role of Tevye in the NCT production. He has performed in the Broadway productions of Sweet Smell of Success, The Bells Are Ringing, Nine, Evita, Oklahoma!, Annie, and The Pajama Game. He has performed all over the world in productions of Evita and West Side Story, as well as national tours of Zorba, Death of a Salesman, Company, Chess, 42nd Street, Man of LaMancha and Nine. He has played numerous roles on All My Children, As the World Turns, Search for Tomorrow and Third Watch. He also has a recurring role as Judge Gus Stamos on Law & Order.
Choreographer and director Mindy Cooper directs the production. She has choreographed Frank Wildhorn's Dracula: the Musical on Broadway, as well as Five Course Love Off-Broadway. She has choreographed Chicago, The Secret Annex, Shenandoah and Jesus Christ Superstar in regional theatres and has directed for Law & Order, Criminal Intent.
Others in the cast include Sherri Brewer, Savannah Smith-Thomas, Brooks Asher, Lisa Ferris, Teejay Jones, Amanda Kraft, Rebecca Reyes, Abigail Simon, Scott McGee, Joan Mullaney, Matthew Arrington, John Bernstein, Oscar Fabela, Melanie Turner, Molly Prout, Anthony Pecora, JJ Gatesman, Robert Bartusch, Spencer Rowe, Griffin Stanton-Amiesen, Lisa Wilson, Sean Moulson, Thomas Tobin, Alex Lum, Jack Mikesell, Phoenix Toliver, Danielle Destefano, Samantha Sifuentes, Maxime Chaltiel and Angelo Molineri.
Sets are by Xuzheng He, with costumes by Judy Ryerson and lighting by Michelle Warner. Christopher Lash is conducting a 12-member orchestra for the production. Songs from the musical include Tradition, If I Were A Rich Man, and Sunrise, Sunset.
Performances are November 23, 24, 29, 30, December 1, 6, 7, and 8 at 8 p.m. with matinees at 2 p.m. on November 24, 25, December 1, 2, 8 and 9. Tickets are $30, $25 and $20 and on sale at the UNLV Performing Arts Center Box Office. Special Group Rates are available for groups of 15 or more. Box Office hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10na.m. to 4 p.m. The box office may be reached by calling 895-ARTS (2787).
