Media Theatre Opens FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Tonight

A young cast, appearing on stage with several well known local adult actors, will bring the legendary Tony winning musical "Fiddler On The Roof" to life on The Media Theatre stage today, July 11-August 10.

Produced by Media Music Theatre Company, "Fiddler" is steeped in "Tradition" which is one of its most well-known songs. The production continues Media Theatre's tradition of a popular summer musical performed by youth while it reminds audiences of its moving and powerful story. The Tony winner focuses on Tevye, who has five daughters, which is a lot to deal with as they become more mature. He's also attempting to maintain his familial and Jewish traditions while outside influences encroach upon their lives. The show reaches all ages with its heartfelt story and universal message of hope and endurance amidst turmoil and changing times.

"Fiddler" is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year and has never lost its unique relationship with audiences. Songs include "Sunrise, Sunset" and "If I Were A Rich Man". The show is performed Friday nights, twice on Saturdays, and Sunday afternoons today, July 11 to August 10.

The youth cast will work with professional adults to bring the story to life. Susan Wefel, a popular Delaware County actress, will portray the pivotal role of Golde, Tevye's wife. She's joined on stage by Tim Haney, one of Media Theatre's camp instructors, in the role of Tevye.

Haney will share the role of Tevye with young student Jacob Bowman, who appeared in Media's summer production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" two summers ago as Pilate. Haney and Bowman will also share the role of Lazar Wolf this summer in "Fiddler On The Roof".

Temple University student Patrick Murray portrays Mendel, with Roger Ricker as The Rabbi.

The adults will work alongside the youth cast with the entire production being directed by Jesse Cline. "Working with professional adults gives this entire youth project musical a solid educational atmosphere," Cline explained. "It's also fun for audiences. What better way to celebrate a show's 50th anniversary than to combine ages in creating a unique interpretation of a legendary musical?"

The "Fiddler On The Roof" cast:

TEVYE....TIM HANEY/ JACOB BOWMAN

GOLDE...SUSAN WEFEL

YENTE...MADISON YANNATELLI

LAZAR WOLF....JACOB BOWMAN/ TIM HANEY

TZEITEL....ALISSA RIVERA/ MARIAH SELTZER

MOTEL....OWEN MANNION

PERCHIK....MARCO NEWSOME/ GIANNI PALMARINI

HODEL....HANNA MURPHY/ EMILY KINKA

CHAVA...BRIANNA JAFFE

FYEDKA...EVAN VANDERBRUL

SPRINTZE...KATHERYN COOPER/ RACHAEL MCVEY

BIELKE...JOLIE JAFFE

CONSTABLE...TED HARRIS

RABBI....ROGER RICKER

MENDEL...PATRICK MURRAY

MORDCHA...COREY KATONA

AVRAM...BEN PEDERSON

GRANDMA TZEITEL...MIRANDA LIEBERMAN

FRUMA SARA...AMBER DUNCAN

NAHUM...JACK CELUCCI

YUSSEL...SUNNY TEGHAVI

SHAINDEL...JILLIAN DONAHUE

SASHA....GIANNI PALMARINI/ MARCO NEWSOME

THE FIDDLER...ROYA WALCOTT

VILLAGERS:

MARNIE CLARK, SHANA DIETZ, PATRICK MURRAY, SUNNY TEGHAVI,

ROYA WALCOTT

Tickets are now on sale for "Fiddler On The Roof", which has performances Fridays at 7pm; Saturdays at 2pm and 7pm; and Sundays at 3pm today, July 11 to August 10. Call 610-891-0100 or visit www.mediatheatre.org.

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