PR2015 May 29

Contact:

Adam Miller, Managing Director

205.391.2925 / amiller@sheltonstate.edu

Harley Sabbagh, Media Contact

205.391.2277 / hsabbagh@sheltonstate.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THEATRE TUSCALOOSA CAPS OFF THEIR SEASON WITH A TREASURED TRADITION: Fiddler on the Roof

May 29, 2015 (TUSCALOOSA, AL) – Theatre Tuscaloosa will present Fiddler on the Roof July 10 – 19 in the Bean-Brown Theatre on the Martin Campus of Shelton State Community College.

Written by Joseph Stein, with music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, Fiddler on the Roof won nine Tony Awards when it debuted in 1964. Based on Sholem Aleichem's stories, this musical tradition is set in the village of Anatevka. Tevye, a poor dairyman, tries to instill in his five daughters the traditions of his Jewish community amid the changing social morѐs and the growing anti-Semitism of czarist Russia. Filled with historic and ethnic detail, Fiddler on the Roof leaves audiences touched by the humor, warmth, and honesty portrayed in the story. The universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality, and religion and leaves audiences crying tears of laughter, joy, and sadness.

Fiddler on the Roof is directed by Artistic Director Emeritus of Theatre Tuscaloosa, Paul Looney, who has directed over one hundred shows for Theatre Tuscaloosa.

“We are who we are because of Paul,” says Tina Turley, Executive Producer of Theatre Tuscaloosa. “Paul is leading a marvelous and talented production team to create the world of Anatevka.”

The production team includes Ben Boyer, Set Designer; Frank Duren, Sound Designer; Erin Hisey, lighting designer; Lindsey Jones, choreographer; Wheeler Kincaid, technical director; Ashlyn Lambert, stage manager; Leslie Poss, musical director; and Jeanette Waterman, costume designer.

“We are also excited to have a cast that includes a wide variety of performers,” said Turley. “We have a number of audience favorites combined with new faces from Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre, Shelton State, and the general community.”

The cast of Fiddler on the Roof includes Allyson Azar, Justin Barnett, Avery Berry, Reagan Branch, Grace Conner, Caden Cooke, Ty Corbett, Colton Crowe, Carol DeVelice, Jacob Frazier, Autumn Fuller, Kate Gates, Will Harpole, Trey Hedgemon, Glen Johnson, Bobby Jones, Julia Marshall, Melinda Marshall, McKay Medders, Danielle Molina, James Dean Moretz, Marla Moss, Terry Olivet, Kim C. Palm, Charles Prosser, Wesley Rorex, Julia Shelby, Michelle Shumate, Brody Southern, Landon Turner, Laura White, Jake Williams, Cyndi Wilson, and Jeff Wilson.

Cyndi Wilson, involved behind the scenes with Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre for years, is making her stage debut in Fiddler on the Roof. “I’m in shock,” Wilson said. 

“Fiddler on the Roof is one of my all-time favorites, so this is going to be fun! I’m thrilled to be cast as part of the ensemble. I believe audiences will love the singing and dancing involved with this show.”

Theatre Tuscaloosa’s 2014-15 Season: To Life! is presented in cooperation with Shelton State Community College and is sponsored by JamisonMoneyFarmer PC. Fiddler on the Roof is sponsored by Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc., Ameriprise Financial, Campbell Guin, Bank of Tuscaloosa, and TownSquare Media Group. This program has been made possible by grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts, and the City of Tuscaloosa.

Fiddler on the Roof will run July 10-19, 2015, in the Bean-Brown Theatre on Shelton State Community College’s Martin Campus. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sundays, and Saturday, July 18. A pay-what-you-can dress rehearsal will be presented on Thursday, July 9, at 7:30 p.m.; all proceeds will benefit the Charlie Dennis Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Tickets are $22 for adults, $18 for seniors (60+) and $14 for students and children. Special rates are available in advance for groups of ten or more.

Tickets and information are available at www.theatretusc.com or 205.391.2277.

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Media Note: If you would like to arrange to cover a performance of Fiddler on the Roof, a limited number of complimentary press passes are available. Contact Adam Miller at 205.391.2925 or Harley Sabbagh at 205.391.2277 to make arrangements.

Theatre Tuscaloosa is a 501c3 not-for-profit community theatre located on the Martin Campus of Shelton State Community College. Theatre Tuscaloosa has been enriching the greater Tuscaloosa community since 1972 through quality theatrical productions and educational outreach.