REVIEW

Perchak (Thomas Grandoll) is introduced to the daughters of Tevye (Jacob Sbearer) and Golde (Veronica Surber) in Wine Country Theatre's production of "Fiddler on the Roof," running through Aug. 28 at the Park Ballroom, 1232 Park St. in downtown Paso Robles. The Tony Award-winning musical, directed by Cynthia Anthony, is set in the small Jewish village of Anatevka and tells the story of Tevye, the milkman, and his struggle with tradition versus changing ldeas. Featuring classic songs such as Tradition, If I Were a Rich Man and Sunrise, Sunset, the musical is full of hope, comedy, poignancy, and the struggle to carry on despite the odds.
Photos by Mary Alvarado.

See weekend performances of Wine Country Theatre production

It's no surprise that tickets for Wine Country Theatre's "FiddIer on the Roof" are selling fast. With two weekends remaining to take in the local production of the Tony and Academy Award-winning musical, be sure to make plans to take the entire family to see the show at the Park Ballroom, located at 1232 Park St. in downtown Paso Robles.

Directed by Cynthia Anthony, "Fiddler on the Roof" is set in 1905 in the small Jewish village of Anatevka and tells the story of Tevye, a poor milkman. Jacob Shearer delivers a phenomenal performance as the lead character, bringing the audience into Teyve's world as he tries to protect his five daughters and his way of life as he struggles with the clash of tradition occurring with the ideas, changing social mores. and the growing anti-Semitism in Czarist Russia. Veronica Surber is a standout as Tevyes wife, Golde.

Referring to Wine Country Theatre as "a professional-caliber community-based theatre company," Anthony said that the company's production of "Fiddler on the Roof" exemplifies this standard "perfectly".

"We wanted to do a production that would allow us to cast people of all ages," said Anthony. it turns out that "Fiddler on the Roof" has been a popular choice: we were nearly sold-out the first two nights and we continue to receive a lot of good, positive feedback."

Portraying Tevye and Golde's three older daughters are Hodel (Christina Rogers,) Chava (Ashlyn Brookshire,) and Tzetel (Makenzie Hart) in Wine Country Theatre's production of "Fiddler on the Roof."

Makenzie Hart plays Tevye's daughter Tzeitel, who wants to marry Motel, a poor tailor played by Sean McCallon, instead of the middle-aged butcher Lazar Wolf (Garrett Larsen) that her father has chosen for her in the tradition of arranged marriages. Tevye is forced to choose between the happiness of his daughter and his culture's beloved traditions. Meanwhile. daughter Hodel (Christina Rogers) falls for Perchik (Thomas Grandoli,) and daughter Chaya (Ashlyn Brookshire) captures the heart of Fyedka (Creston Cooper). Charlotte Surber and Libby Higgins are delightful as the two youngest daughters. Bielke and Shpintze, who are determined to avoid any suggestions of future marnage from Yente the Matchmaker (Beth Marshall).

There's plenty of comedy mixed in with this classic tale and the cast delivers songs such as Tradition, If I Were a Rich Man, Matchmaker, and Sunrise. Sunset with amazing clarity and pitch as they portray characters filled with hope and determination. Mark Robertshaw oversees music direction for the local production. with choreography by Saundra Woods.

"We have a wonderful cast and crew," said Anthony. and there is this amazing synergy that happens when people love what they are doing."

Even a poor tailor needs love--that's the message Model (Sean McCallon) tries to convey to Tevye (Jacob Shearer) to win the hand of Tzetel (Makinzie Hart) in marriage in Wine Country Theatre's production of "Fiddler on the Roof."

"Fiddler on the Roof," written by Joseph Stein and based on Sholem Aleichem's short story "Tevye and His Daughters" won nine Tony Awards including Best Musical and was one of the first Broadway musicals to deal with serious issues such as persecution, poverty and holding on to one's beliefs. A 1971 movie version directed by Norman Jewison was nominated for Best Picture and earned three Academy Awards.

Don't miss the chance to see Wne Country Theatre's "Fiddler on the Roof." Performances continue at 7:30p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Aug.19 20, 26, and 27, with Sunday matinees on Aug. 2l and 28 at 2 p.m. lickets are $25 for adults/$15 for students; groups of eight or more $20 each. A selection of wine and snacks are available for purchase to enjoy table side during the show. For more information and to purchase tickets, see winecountrytheatre.com.