Stage

Staging a Tradition

CVTG’s production of Fiddler a family affair

Allison Puestow, photos by Andrea Paulseth |

L’CHAIM! TO LIFE! The gang from Anatevka gets its drink on in the CVTG’s production of Fiddler on the Roof.
L’CHAIM! TO LIFE! The gang from Anatevka gets its drink on in the CVTG’s production
of Fiddler on the Roof.

The Chippewa Theatre Guild is putting on a Broadway tradition! This classical musical is filled with catchy songs – such as “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Sunrise, Sunset” – that’ll stick in your head well after the curtains close.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with this classic (and why aren’t you?), Fiddler on the Roof centers on the Russian milkman Tevye, the father of five daughters, and his attempts to maintain his family and Jewish religious traditions in a changing world as he copes with the strong-willed actions of his three older daughters.

This is not only a musical about families and for families, but it’s also being performed by families. Director Katie Schumacher says there are several mother-daughter and father-daughter pairs in the play, plus one entire family all taking part in the production. “We really tried to create a family atmosphere in the village,” Schumacher said.

What else is special about this performance? Schumacher said that the Fiddler, who usually is only in a few scenes, will be present throughout the play as Tevye’s conscious and is performed by an actual violinist. Plus, the bottle dance is done with real bottles being balanced on the dancers’ heads. How cool is that?

Fiddler will be playing at the State Theatre April 24-26 at 7:30pm and April 27 at 1:30pm. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, $10 for students, and $8 for youth. For more information or to reserve your tickets, call (715) 832-7529 or visit cvtg.org.