'Fiddler on the Roof' celebrates tradition - and collaboration

Combining the creative skills of its theatre & dance department, opera company and orchestra, Rowan University’s College of Fine & Performing Arts presents a new production of the classic musical Fiddler on the Roof, April 16-18, 2010. Performances are Friday at 8 pm; Saturday at 3 and 8 pm; and Sunday at 3 pm in Pfleeger Concert Hall on the Glassboro campus.

The Department of Theatre & Dance collaborates with the Rowan Opera Company and the Rowan University Orchestra in producing the musical, bringing together faculty members Lane Savadove (director), Marian Stieber (musical director) and Salvatore Scarpa (conductor).

Fiddler on the Roof is considered one of the masterpieces of the American musical theatre, with music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and book by Joseph Stein. In the small village of Anatevka, a poor dairyman named Tevye struggles to instill in his five daughters the traditions of their tight-knit Jewish community, all while facing changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia. Infused with historical and ethnic detail but presenting a universal theme of tradition that cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, the musical has touched audiences around the world with its humor, warmth and honesty.

The cast of 36 is led by Kevin Melendez of West New York, NJ, as Tevye and Rachel Bauer of Woolwich Township, NJ, as Golde. The creative team features choreographer Karen Getz, set designer Bart Healy, light designer Robert Thorpe and costume designer Janus Stefanowicz.