Masque’s ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ Debuts Aug. 3

In the 10 years that followed the 1964 debut of the original Broadway production of “Fiddler on the Roof,” it staged more than 3,000 performances. At that time it held the record for the longest-running Broadway musical in history.

The play, adapted from a book by Joseph Stein, music by Jerry Bock and lyrics written by Sheldon Harnick, was nominated for 10 Tony Awards and won nine, including best musical. It even spawned four Broadway revivals and a 1971 film of the same name.

And soon the show that over the years has won the praises of millions is coming to Temple Terrace.

From Aug. 3-19, will present an under the direction of Ruth Kegel. It is slated to run on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and on Sundays at 3 p.m. at the Lightfoot Recreation Center.

Tickets, which may be either purchased in advance on Masque’s website or at the door, are $14 for adults; $12 for students, military personnel and seniors 55 and older; and $10 for children age 12 and younger.

The 49-member cast will showcase the story that is set in the small Tsarist Russian village of Anatevka and centers on Tevye, a poor milkman and father of five daughters, who attempts to uphold his family’s Jewish traditions despite the encroachment of outside influences. In doing so, he’s forced to deal with the wishes of his three eldest offspring whose choice of husbands is not in accordance with his family’s religious beliefs.

The production, Kegel noted, is sure to emit a broad range of emotions, including tears of great joy and laughter to feelings of deep and utter sadness.

And its world-famous songs such as “Sunrise, Sunset,” “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Matchmaker” she added, are also bound to capture a wide range of sentiments.

Actors will perform in what Kegel calls “three-quarter” fashion, a technique that allows them to play to the two opposite sides of the stage in addition to its center. It’s a method meant to fully engage the audience, which will be seated accordingly.

“It’s been a fun challenge to put on a show of this size in our new performing location while the cultural center is being built,” said Kegel, who for several years has directed Masque’s youth summer productions.

“The cast will bring all the talent and character needed for an outstanding show. And we have quite a few new people to the theatre this summer, which is always a plus,” she added.

Temple Terrace resident Christian Pena, 14, a soon-to-be Jesuit High School 10th-grader who’s also acted in other Masque summer productions, is cast as both Tevye and the village’s rabbi. He shares the role of Tevye with David Friedman, as is the case among several of the show’s lead actors and the characters they play.

“I like it a lot and it’s really a good opportunity for me,” Christian said. “The beauty of this play is that it is really a show of professional grade, not something that you get to see a lot.”

Lindsay Wright and KariElise Raabe play dual roles as Golde, Tevye’s wife of 25 years and mother of his daughters.

“Golde is one of those characters whose role changes and has so much emotional depth to it,” said Lindsay, 15, a Temple Terrace resident and Blake High School student who is a well-seasoned Masque performer.

“I’ve played a variety of roles in various shows but this one is really special. The sets and the costumes are amazing,” she added.

Masque newcomer Holly Guerink, 15, also a Temple Terrace resident and a student at , plays the role of Tzeitel, Tevye’s eldest daughter. Fellow performer Callie Haskins is also cast as Tzeitel.

“I think the play is amazing and I love playing Tzeitel,” Holly said. “I also love all the new friends I’ve met through this experience. And Ruth (Kegel) is great. She really knows what she’s doing and it shows.”

The production is dedicated in memory of Brooke Kelly Pasch, 19, a Blake High School student and Masque performer who died May 20 due to birth defect complications.

“Brooke was someone who had many challenges, but she had such a vibrant personality that none of that stuff bothered her. She just carried on,” said Kegel, who also serves at Masque’s president. “Everything she did she did well and she had a great time.”