Inside Iowa State: Iowa State University

April 2, 2004

SOV show is Fiddler on the Roof

The Fiddler cast stars music instructor Robert Patton (center) as Tevye. Photo by Bob Elbert.

You'll have just three opportunities to see ISU Theatre's production of Fiddler on the Roof later this month. The 2004 Stars Over Veishea musical will begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 16-17, in Stephens auditorium. An April 17 matinee begins at 2 p.m.

Set in 1905, Fiddler on the Roof takes place in the fictitious Russian village of Anatevka. Attempting to live a normal life filled with Jewish traditions, Tevye, the local milkman, is searching for appropriate husbands for his three oldest daughters. But, in a break with tradition, they refuse to accept the wishes of Yente the matchmaker and their father, and marry the men they love. Meanwhile, the pre-revolution Russian state has begun programs of persecution against Jewish people. Tevye's family is forced to leave their homes.

Song titles from the Fiddler score include If I Were a Rich Man; Sunrise, Sunset; Matchmaker; and Tradition.

Theater faculty member Terence Goodman is the director; Donald Simonson, chair of the voice division in the ISU music department, is the musical director; and Alison Gaines director of the ISU orchestra, conducts the pit orchestra.

Tickets are available through TicketMaster, including the box office at Stephens. Adult tickets are $13 to $18; ISU student and children tickets are $8 to $12 for all performances.