'Fiddler' opens at Theater at the J

The Roth Family Jewish Community Center of Greater Orlando has revived its longtime theater program, staging a 50th anniversary production of "Fiddler on the Roof" from May 2-10.

Since 1980, the JCC has staged hundreds of productions under the name "The Center Players" at its Harriett & Hymen Lake Cultural Center Auditorium in Maitland. The Center Players went on hiatus in 2012, due to financial and operational considerations, focusing its theater efforts solely on children and teenagers through its after school and summer camp programs.

However, theater at the JCC is now back-under the aptly renamed moniker of "Theater at the J." Kerry and Amanda Giese, a mainstay of the local Orlando Fringe and theater communities, are directing the efforts.

Kerry Giese is thrilled to be bringing main-stage theater back to the JCC. "Being able to present one of Broadway's greatest musicals on the 50th anniversary of its premiere is so exciting for me," Kerry said. "It truly is one of the few perfect musical theatre pieces ever to be on a stage."

The show stars Tom Limbacher as Tevye, Peri Goldberg as Golde, and Rabbi David Kay of Congregation Ohev Shalom as Lazar Wolf.

"Like most Jewish kids of my generation, I grew up on 'Fiddler,'" said Rabbi Kay. "We played the cast album incessantly at home; you heard 'To Life' and 'Sunrise, Sunset' at every bar or bat mitzvah and wedding; you entertained yourself on long road trips by singing the whole score. It was the soundtrack of your Jewish childhood, and it's a dream come true to be part of this production."

"Fiddler on the Roof" will run May 2-10, with shows on Saturdays at 9 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Thursday at 7:30 p.m. The Saturday productions will be preceded by a complimentary cocktail party beginning at 7:30 p.m.-all ticket holders will receive two complimentary drinks of wine and beer and unlimited soft drinks.

Tickets are general admission, $20; "Plus," $25; and "Prime," $30. "Prime" is front row, center; "Plus" is front row, sides and the next rows; and "general" is the last rows. A seating chart is displayed on the Ticket Leap website when purchasing tickets, and individual seat(s) can also be chosen. It is recommended to buy early to get the best seats in the section of your choice). Readers of the Heritage can receive $5 off each ticket by using the discount code HERITAGE5 when purchasing tickets online at http://www.orlandojcc.org/fiddler. Readers can also get the discount by calling the box office at 407-645-5933 x282 and mentioning the code HERITAGE5.

For group sales and all other questions, contact Kerry Giese at 407-645-5933 x282 or KerryG@orlandojcc.org.