“Fiddler on the Roof” in DCPA Space Theatre

This promises to be a fantastic, a truly 

"don't miss it" event! I'll be there for

the July 20 performance and will give

you a report.  John Wren

Phamaly Theatre Company Announces Cast for

 “Fiddler on the Roof”

Music by Jerry Bock, Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and book by Joseph Stein,

Based on Sholem Aleichem's stories by special permission of Arnold Perl.

Directed by Steve Wilson

Musical Direction by Donna Debreceni

Choreography by Debbie Stark

Denver – Phamaly Theatre Company presents “Fiddler on the Roof” July 18 - August 11 at the Space Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Celebrate the power of tradition and change with this multiple Tony Award-winning musical that has danced its way into the hearts of people all over the world for nearly 50 years.

As Tevye tries to hold onto his religion, his Russian-Jewish customs, and his five daughters, he knows that “without tradition, our lives would be as shaky as a fiddler on the roof.” Resplendent with some of the most beloved and timeless songs in musical theatre like “Sunrise, Sunset,” “Matchmaker,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” and “Do You Love Me,” “Fiddler on the Roof” is filled with laughter, warmth, and inspiration for the whole family.

Leading the cast is Mark Dissette as Tevye, reprising the role he played in Phamaly's 1994 production. Other Phamaly performers who graced the stage in the 1994 production are Kathleen Traylor, who played Yente and comes to this production in the role of Golde, Lucy Roucis played Tzeitel and returns as Mordcha and Donna Gunnison played Shaindel and this year steps into the role of Grandma Tzietel.  Greg Stanley, Fyedka in '94, and Phamaly founder Teri Westerman, who recently returned to Denver, join the Fiddler ensemble cast. 

Steve Wilson has cast Phamaly new-comers Rachel Van Scoy as Tzeitel, Kenzie Kilroy as Hodel, Harper Ediger as Shprintze and Emerson Stark as Bielke; daughter Chava is played by Lyndsay Palmer. Trenton Schindele has been cast in the role of Motel, Jeremy Palmer as Perchik, Daniel Traylor as Fyedka, Kevin Pettit as Lazar Wolf, Ashley Kelashian as Yente, Amber Marsh as Fruma Sarah, Jamie Lewis as the Constable and Don Mauck as the Rabbi. Rounding out the Fiddler cast is Ben Kassman (Mendel), Lisa Young (Yussel), Don Gabenski (Nachum), Linda Wirth (Shaindel) and ensemble members Kevin Ahl, Brian Bernard, Edric Kelashian, Maryann Migliorelli, Mallory Moss, Molly Nash, and Shannon Wilson.

This year Phamaly has a Guest Artist, Sophia Hummel, playing the role of the Fiddler. Sophia is currently a student at the San Francisco Conservatory, and her bow arm is amputated at the elbow. She uses an adapted bow in order to perform. A second Fiddler plays the Fiddler’s son. Leslie Wilburn is 11 years old. He lives locally and performs as concertmaster with the Denver Young Artists Orchestra’s Conservatory Orchestra. The violin part traditionally performed by one character will be turned into a duet between parent and child, highlighting this relationship that is emphasized in this show. Leslie has ADD.

Director Steve Wilson is passionate about this year's show, "For me, Fiddler on the Roof is the quintessential statement about the strength of the human spirit.  I am struck by the truly universal appeal of this magnificent classic of the American musical theatre. 

"While the story has a special tie to the rich heritage of the Jewish Diaspora and the dark struggle with Anti-Semitism, it also touches on the collective truth that everyone will ultimately leave the comfort of “home” and venture off into the sometimes forbidding and unpredictable world.  These transitions can be particularly challenging for those with disabilities and their loved ones and caretakers. 

"The play also has much to say about how humans define home. The story clearly tells us that it is not the place that has defined the people, but the people who have defined the place.  Home will travel with them wherever they choose to go – and their strength of spirit and resolve to live a vibrant life are ever present."

Wilson concluded by saying, "I believe great theatre connects us with signature moments in our lives when we can see how our small journeys connect to our bigger journey.  I hope this PHAMALY Fiddler will encourage everyone to reconnect with their own experiences of these pivotal life cycle transitions - when children leave, families relocate, relatives move or pass on – or a significant life altering health event.  These are times of stress, loss and tragedy, but also times of revelation, strength and renewal."

The Phamaly Theatre Company's production of “Fiddler on the Roof" previews July 18 and 19 and opens on Saturday, July 20 in the Space Theatre at the Denver Performing Arts Complex.  Performances are Thursday, July 18 and Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 2:00 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. on Monday, July 29. Tickets are $30 - $34 adult, $23 groups of 10 or more, and $17 for July 18 and 19 previews as well as the Friday, July 26 and (Industry Night) Monday, July 29 performances.

 Post show talk-backs follow the July 21, 29 and August 4 performances. Tickets go on sale Monday, June 3 and can be purchased by calling Denver Center Ticketing at 303-893-4100; online at www.phamaly.org; or at the Denver Center Ticket Office, located at the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex in the Denver Performing Arts Complex. $23 tickets groups of ten or more - call 303-931-7241.

An Audio Described and ASL Signed performance is scheduled for Sunday, July 28 at 2:00 p.m. Phamaly will offer a backstage sensory tour at 11:00a.m. The sensory tour brings individuals on stage for a tactile experience, touching elements of the set, costumes, and prop pieces. The tour is free but advance reservations are required by calling the Phamaly office at 303-575-0005.

Now in its 24th season, Phamaly is an award-winning Colorado based Theatre Company comprised entirely of performers with a wide variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities.  Phamaly’s mission is to inspire people to re-envision disability through professional theatre.

Named Best Theatre Company of 2012 by 5280 Magazine

Recipient of the Alliance for Colorado Theatre’s 2012 Professional/Community Theatre Award

Recipient of the 2013 NEA Art Works Grant

More information at www.phamaly.org