'Fiddler' plays on Acting Company roof

The enduring, iconic classic musical "Fiddler on the Roof" opens Friday at The Acting Company in Yuba City and runs through Nov. 11.

"I just can't say enough about this wonderful production," said director Foster Campbell-McManus.

"It's been one of my favorites for a very long time. The music is some of the best I've ever heard. And the story about changing traditions and people working their way through adversity with love and honor and dignity — I mean, how can you go wrong, right?" she added.

"Fiddler on the Roof," set in 1905, is a story about a father, Tevye (Mike Strong), mother, Golde (Sharon Wonder), and their five daughters: Tzeitel (Carmen Smith), Hodel (Caitlin Larvick), Chava (Kayla Lardner), Shprintze (Mackenna Hathaway) and Bielke (Summer Givens), McManus said.

"It's about how traditions are changing in Russia at the turn of the century. It takes place in a very small community called Anatevka. The Jewish citizens share Anatevka with the Russians, who are gradually taking over, and it's about the difficulties that a small Jewish community faces trying to keep their traditions, trying to keep their old ways in the face of a rapidly changing world," McManus said.

"It's all about love — all kinds of love — and honor and tradition and faith."

The large cast includes Robert Adamson, Nathan Brick, Petra Cadwell-Nabi, Geoff Cowan (who also serves as sound technician), Lily Eichner, Clark Floyd, Mikayla Gardner, Aiden Hayes, Andrew Hayes, Wade Kirchner, Andre LaBouyer, John LaBouyer, Zachary Larvick, Kristofer Mabee, Savannah McLendon, Paul McManus, Sarah Odegard, Jessica Perez, John Proctor, Sarah Riley (who also serves as choreographer), Ted Shadle, Lora Weekes and Savanah Whitely.

"I think the biggest challenge that we have is our space here. We have a 20- by 30-foot stage to mount a production with 32 cast members. But I think you'll find that we've done a really remarkable job," director McManus said.

"Everyone has at least three costume changes; some of our cast members are doubling — playing two roles. So it's quite amazing," she added.

"The live musicians add such texture to the production — our fiddler (Lucas Sanchez), the clarinetist (Kim Malato) and musical director Steve Shepard on piano. It's very exciting," McManus said.

Also supporting the production are James Lohman, vocal coach; Linda Siller, stage manager; Dianna DeLashmutt, assistant stage manager; director McManus and Paul McManus, set design; Jim Green, lighting design; Peyton Hathaway, light and sound operator; and Emily Andes, dance captain.

"Anatevka is such a warm and wonderful place to be — despite the fact that it's in Russia," director McManus said.

"I think you will enjoy it from start to finish. It's inspirational. It will make you laugh and cry — and laugh again. It's a lovely show," she said.

"Make sure you get your tickets early: This show promises to sell out," McManus added.

CONTACT Susan Benitez at sbenitez@appealdemocrat.com or 749-4773. Find her on Facebook at /ADFeatures or on Twitter at @adfeatures.