About Cortland Repertory Theatre
CRT presents the Immortal “Fiddler on the Roof”
For the fourth show in the 2007 summer season, Cortland Repertory Theatre will revisit a play that is widely considered the “best musical ever written”. For a three week run from July 18 to August 4, CRT presents the classic “Fiddler on the Roof”. Producing Artistic Director Kerby Thompson points out that this musical, which boasts a cast of 33, was first produced by CRT in its first season in 1972. “’Fiddler’ is one of those shows that is evergreen” Thompson says. “The beauty of a well-written show is that you can keep going back to see it at different times in your life, and it will mean a different thing to you each time. Young people can related to the ‘first love’ stories, and parents will be touched by the stories of raising a family, watching the children grow and move on into their own lives.” CRT welcomes back Jim Bumgardner. who will direct the show as well as recreate the original Jerome Robbins choreography. Bumgardner serves as Assistant to the Director at CRT, and frequently directs and designs sets for CRT productions, most recently “Moonlight and Magnolias” last year. “I know I can always trust Jim with the “big show” of our season.” Thompson say. “He does months and months of research, and comes in to our rehearsal process with a wealth of knowledge and a carefully planned schedule to create a beautiful, humorous and touching show…in just two weeks!” Patrick Young serves as Music Director, having previously worked on CRT’s “I Left My Heart” last season. Jeffrey Victor, who played Frank Butler in “Annie Get Your Gun” last summer joins as Assistant Director. Victor brings much experience to the process, having played the role of Perchik in the recent national touring company.
“Tevye’s Daughters” a collection of stories by the great Yiddish author, Sholem Aleichem, inspired the composer, Jerry Bock; the lyricist, Sheldon Harnick; and the librettist, Joseph Stein to create the musical. In association with director-choreographer Jerome Robbins and producer Harold Prince, they transformed the Tevye stories into one of the most successful, long-running musicals on Broadway and throughout the world. Told with wit and humor, “Fiddler” is a powerful statement about the evils of prejudice and the importance of maintaining a warm and caring communal and family life in the midst of severe oppression. Although the story is concerned specifically with the lives of impoverished Jews in Czarist Russia, at heart it is built around themes so universal that audiences of every age, ethnic and cultural background can identify with it. The musical won 10 Tony Awards in 1965, including Best Musical, Book of a Musical, Lyrics and Choreography.
The world on stage reveals what life was like in Anatevka, Russia. By 1905, the time in which the musical is set, over half of the world’s Jews resided in Russia and were forced to live in shtetls, small villages from which they could be evicted at any time. Many of Anatevka’s inhabitants were poor and their futures were uncertain. However, because they were people of tradition, hope and spirit, there were many moments of tenderness and joy.
The title of the show was inspired by a painting by Mark Chagall, an artist who was known for his portrayal of Jewish life. The painting, which depicts an oval-eyed violinist seemingly dangling in space over the roofs of a peasant village, also had a great deal of influence over the design of both the original and CRT’s scenic design. Bumgarder and scenic designer Carl Tallent, have wisely chosen to return to the original concept of the show where the scenic design and painting of the set reflects Chegall’s work.
The cast is headed by a CRT favorite: Claus Evans as Tevye. Evans most recently appeared at CRT in “Annie Get Your Gun” as Chief Sitting Bull as well as “Over the River and Through the Woods”, “Oklahoma!” and “My Fair Lady”. Playing Tevye’s wife is also a familiar CRT face, Jean Liuzzi, who shared the stage with Evans in “Over the River…” as well as appearing in “Bye Bye Birdie” and “Harvey”. Coming fresh from CRT’s production of “Ten Little Indians” is perennial favorite Suzan Perry as Yente the Matchmaker; Binghamton area actor Ted Nappi is Lazar Wolf. Tevye’s daughters and their suitors are all portrayed by CRT’s Performing Intern Company with Gregory Trimmer as Motel, Lindsey Zaroogian as Tzietal, Catherine Lena Stephani as Hodel (who also plays the ghost of Fruma Sarah), Nickolas Pallazzo as Perchik, Ephie Aardema as Chava (who also plays the ghost of Grandma Tzietal) and Liam Cronin as Fyedka. Tevye’s two youngest daughters are played by area young talent Lydia Allen as Shprintze and Casey Whyland as Bielke.
The adult ensemble is a combination of local actors and area college students. The “papas” include Andrew Godwin, Jim Shults and Paul Yaman; the “mamas” include Elisabeth Kisselstein, Rona Knobel, Roberta Kohut, and Cara K-B McLaughlin. The “sons” are Aaron Lee Morris as Mendel, Mark Reeve as Avrum and brothers Joshua and Nathan Apker. The “daughters” include Annalie Fuchs, Julia and Sofia Convertini, Erin Whyland and Gretta Allen. Binghamton area actor Mark Bader plays the Constable; the Russian soldiers are played by Jefferson McDonald, Michael Berry and Timothy Fuchs. Rounding out the cast in the key role of the fiddler is Bill Hurley, who also played violin for CRT’s “Almost Heaven” earlier this summer.
Returning designer Jimmy Johansmeyer leads the CRT costume shop in the daunting task of organizing the costumes, most of which were rented from the recent national touring company. John Horan, in his first show at CRT, serves as lighting designer. Sound design is by Ithaca College student Michael Speech, Jr. and properties are handled by season designer Buist Bickley. The acting company is wrangled by stage manager Eric Benke with much help from Assistant Stage Manager Sten Wall. Additional musicians include Joe Ford on clarinet and reeds, Shannon Cockbill on bass and Cortland High student Nate Wavle on percussion.
“Fiddler on the Roof” will be presented at the Edward Jones Playhouse, CRT’s home in Dwyer Memorial Park from July 18th through August 4th. Season Benefactor McNeil and Company is joined for this production by show sponsor Tompkins Trust Company, show underwriter Alliance Bank, show partner Riehlman, Shafer and Shafer, and show friend Hage Real Estate. Parking is free, and the theatre is handicapped accessible and air conditioned. Tickets may be purchased at the CRT Box Office at 37 Franklin Street in Cortland, by calling 800-427-6160 or online at www.cortlandrep.org. For more information about any of CRT’s shows or programming, please visit www.cortlandrep.org.