There is no excuse to miss “Fiddler on the Roof” presented by Anderson’s Mainstage Theatre with performances beginning tonight.  You may be saying to yourself, “I’ve already seen it a dozen times,” but director Rick Vale along with the 60 cast members have created a fun and refreshed performance of this classic tale making anyone fall in love all over again.

“Fiddler on the Roof” is the story of Tevye, a dairyman and Jewish traditionalist living amidst a changing world. Set in Russia in 1905, the tale follows Tevye, his wife Golde and five daughters as they learn to cope with the hardships under Tsarist rule.  Although there were some lighting and audio difficulties Monday during the dress rehearsal, the cast gave a flawless and perfect performance from the minute the lights came up all the way to the inventive curtain call, which is something not to be missed.  Craig Patty, who plays Tevye, gives a whole new life to his character by delivering lines with precise timing and gut-busting wit. Patty manages to light up the stage by portraying Tevye with a strong sense of self but soft-heart. You can’t help but smile when Patty takes the stage.  Golde, played by Julie Dutcher, as well as her three daughters Tzeitel, played by Kirby Gilliam, Hodel, played by Alaina Coplin, and Chava, played by Jennifer Anderson, are portrayed with passion in which the actors leave nothing to be desired after each appearance.  Joanna Gentry-Collette (Itzahk the Fiddler) plays the violin with intensity and power which adds a deeper emotional dimension to the already heart-warming performance.  The entire cast, when together in unison, delivers well-perfected transitions between dialogue and song making the nearly three-hour performance fly by in minutes. 

This rendition of “Fiddler” is unlike any other straight down to the backdrop. For the scenery, Vale looked to local artist David Slonim for inspiration. A computer imaged copy of Slonim’s “Soybeans in September,” which was painted in Madison County, was enlarged on canvas and used as the backdrop for the Russia countryside. The image was extended to four panels on both sides of the stage which draws viewers in further to the story.   Also, the wedding canopy used for Tevye’s daughter’s wedding was painted and designed in autumnal hues by local artist Allison Hardin.

A silent auction will be held during the run of the production in which patrons can bid at each performance on a signed print by Slonim, Broadway “Fiddler” memorabilia and the actual hand-painted wedding canopy especially designed for the performance.  Not only does the cast have the ability to transport the audience from downtown Anderson to early 1900s Russia, but allows everyone to walk away with a renewed faith in family and love.