Although "Fiddler on the Roof" is set in a small peasant town in Czarist Russia, the themes that run throughout the show are Everyman’s.

Friday, June 16, 2000

Although "Fiddler on the Roof" is set in a small peasant town in Czarist Russia, the themes that run throughout the show are Everyman’s.

Tradition vs. the modern world. Growing up. Partnership. Money. What to do when your daughter falls in love not according to your wishes, and, more importantly, what to tell your wife when you relent.

It’s a show that leaves the audience humming its tunes for years. That’s why Summerset Theatre executive director Jerry Girton took the chance and scheduled a production for this summer, even though the musical was done in Austin nine years ago.

"The music is so good; the story is so good; the music, the songs, the acting combine so well – it’s a hard show to resist," Girton said. "It’s from that golden age of musicals that started with ‘Oklahoma’ and probably ended with Fiddler."

With a cast of 74 people, Summerset Theatre’s upcoming production of Fiddler has caused a few logistical problems off stage, Girton admitted.

"What’s happening on stage is great, now we just have to figure out what to do with all those people when they’re off stage," he said.

On Wednesday night, the first dress rehearsal in preparation for the musical’s opening on Sunday, cast members were sitting in the theater’s seats out front, watching their fellow actors and actresses strut their stuff. They’ll have to sit somewhere else come Sunday at the Frank W. Bridges Theatre at Riverland Community College.

The play revolves around Tevye, a dairyman, his wife Golde and their five daughters. They are one of the hardworking Jewish families typical in Russian then, living as their forefathers did, observing (or trying to) the ways handed down to them. Songs like "If I Were a Rich Man," "Matchmaker," and "Tradition" resonate, long after the show has ended.

The play will run from Sunday through Saturday. Although Sunday night’s show, with its bagels and tea beforehand, is sold out, Girton said there are plenty of tickets available for the other five shows.

"People always think musicals sell out," he said. "I’m sure this will be well-received, but I’m also sure we’ll have tickets to spare if people stay home thinking we’re sold out."

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at Nemitz’s or the college box office by phoning 433-0595. Season tickets for all three of the community theater group’s summer shows can be purchased for $20. Showtimes Monday through Saturday are 7:30 p.m.