Newtown Arts Company Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Fiddler

By James Boyle

Newtown Arts Company celebrates the 50th anniversary of Fiddler on the Roof with its production of this musical theater tradition, running August 7 to 13, at the historic Newtown Theatre.

Set in the little village of Anatevka, the story centers on Tevye, a poor dairyman, and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill them with tradition in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Tzarist Russia. Rich in historical and ethnic detail, Fiddler on the Roof’s universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy and sadness.

The show features Sheldon Zeff of Newtown as Tevye, among the most memorable roles in musical theatre. With beloved songs such as “Sunrise, Sunset,” “If I Were A Rich Man,” and “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” Fiddler on the Roof has the perfect mix of audience pleasing humor and heart.

“Fiddler on the Roof is a reminder of the importance of our family and traditions in our lives,” said director Kathy Junkins, of Yardley, who has directed 21 plays in the area.

Tevye’s wife, Golde, is played by Denise Monahan, of Newtown. Other notable performances include: Patrick O’Leary, of Fairless Hills, as Lazar Wolf; Morgaine Ford-Workman, of Morrisville, as Tzeitel; Rachel Goldman, of Yardley, as Hodel; Cynthia Reynolds of Bordentown, NJ, as Chava; Steven Vettori, of Bensalem, as Motel; and Alex Salup, of Ewing, NJ, as Perchik.

Performances of Fiddler on the Roof are one week only, August 7 to 13 (except Aug 11), at the Newtown Theatre, 120 North State Street, Newtown, PA 18940: Thursday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday matinee at 3 p.m.

Tickets for Reserved Front Orchestra and Front Row Balcony seats are $24; Reserved Rear Orchestra and Balcony seats are $21. Extended legroom seating is available in Row I for an additional accommodation fee. Groups of 10 or more qualify for a $2 discount.

Tickets are available by credit card by phone at 800-838-3006 or online at www.newtownartscompany.com (service fee applies). Tickets are also available at the Newtown Theatre Box Office beginning one hour before curtain on performance dates. For reservations or information call 215-860-7058 or email tickets@newtownartscompany.com.

Photo: Tevye (Sheldon Zeff, of Newtown) and his wife Golde (to his right)(Denise Monahan, of Newtown) struggle with their eldest daughters marrying outside tradition while dealing with growing anti-Jewish sentiment in their village of Anatevka in “Fiddler on the Roof.”