Fiddler on the Roof

The award-winning tale of Tevye the Dairyman and his family’s struggles in a changing Russia is a true musical theatre tradition.

Winner of nine Tony Awards when it debuted in 1964, Fiddler on the Roof is the brainchild of Broadway legends, Jerome Robbins and Harold Prince; songwriters, Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick; and bookwriter, Joseph Stein. Touching audiences worldwide with its humor, warmth and honesty, this universal show is a staple of the musical theatre canon.

Set in the little village of Anatevka, the story centers on Tevye, a poor milkman, 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 traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist 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.

Fiddler on the Roof Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

January 12 – February 4

Based on Sholem Aleichem stories by special permission of Arnold Perl

Book by JOSEPH STEIN
Music by JERRY BOCK
Lyrics by SHELDON HARNICK

Original Production Directed & Choreographed by Jerome Robbins

Directed By Richard Choate


MEET THE CAST

Trey Hinkle (Tevye) is humbled and honored to be reprising the role he played twice in his younger days (High School and College). Fiddler on the Roof is Trey’s absolute favorite musical, and he is excited to approach the role of Tevye from a much more mature angle. Most recently, Trey played King Duncan in Shakespeare’s “Scottish play,” and various roles in Humble Servant at the Tower Theater. His latest endeavor is directing the youth Summer intensive program for Thoroughly Modern Productions, heading up Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Youth Edition) and Finding Nemo, Jr. This upcoming Summer he will direct the youth in Seussical: The Musical (Youth Edition). Other than that, he hopes you really connect to this amazing story of tradition in the midst of changing times, and that this production of Fiddler will become one of YOUR favorites as well!

Marla Manning (Golde) is delighted to be playing Golde! Recent acting credits include Mama in Chicago (TMP), Della in The Cake (DTC), Miss Peake in Spider’s Web (CTC), Mother in Kiss of the Spider Woman (Mejcho), and Inspector Kemp in Young Frankenstein (2nd Street). Recent directing credits include Revenge & Sorrow in Thebes and Radiance (CTC), The Lost Virginity Tour (World Premiere, 2nd Street), Stop Kiss (Ridgefield Theater Barn), and The Glass Menagerie (Town Players). With national/international producing credits spanning 30+ years, in 2016, Marla founded Silent Echo Theater Company in nearby Sisters. She thanks Richard, our wonderful cast and crew, and her very supportive family.

Sarah Golemon-Mercer (Tzeitel) is thrilled to be in CTC’s production of Fiddler on the Roof! As an opinionated, heart-led, and free-spirited preacher’s kid, Sarah feels quite the kinship with Tzeitel. Alongside studying dance and vocal performance in college, she has played lead roles in dozens of shows including Carousel, Seussical, Batboy, and Romeo and Juliet. Most recently, you may have seen her in Deschutes Theatre Company’s production of The Cake. Given our global context, particularly the current realities of death and suffering for Israelites and Palestinians alike, there is no time like now to be putting on a show like Fiddler. Sarah feels honored to be a part of this experience, and she’s grateful to have worked with this hilarious, passionate and wildly talented cast and crew.

Samantha Winter (Hodel) is thrilled to make her CTC debut. Sam’s first ever vocal solo was in the Kennedy Center’s Chanukah Concert at the age of 13, and it’s taken nearly two decades for her to celebrate her Jewish heritage onstage again – this time in one of her favorite shows. Sam holds undergraduate degrees in music and neuroscience from University of Michigan and a PhD in neuroscience from Drexel University. A classically trained opera singer, her proudest musical achievement was performing in the world premiere of Mass Transmission (choral piece) with the San Francisco Symphony as the featured soloist. Sam works as a Senior Director of Product in health-tech and can be found hitting the trails and slopes with her husband, Andrew (the Constable), and pup, Duke.

Elizabeth Coe (Chava) is returning to the theater after a 16-year hiatus. She was last seen as a talking flower on the Cooper Middle School stage. But Elizabeth has still been performing, first as part of a show choir in high school and later in a Disney a cappella group in college (aptly named the Aristocats). In September, she married a lovely Jewish man (without a matchmaker) and is excited to honor (and break) Jewish traditions in Fiddler on the Roof. Elizabeth is extremely thankful for her amazing castmates that have made this experience so incredible.

Anne Lunny (Shprintze) is a freshman attending RPA High School. She has performed for Ridgeview High School in Alice in Wonderland and Wizard of Oz and is a Junior Thespian. This is her first appearance in a non-school performance. She is competing for the High School Oregon Thespian Award next month. In her spare time, she has attained the rank of first class in Scouts BSA, is a Junior Princess in Job’s Daughters, plays softball, and is on the RPA robotics team.

Ruby Hammerman-Peterson (Beilke) is a pretty cool person and newly appointed teenager whose favorite sport is theater. She loves bunnies, film and biddy biddy bumming. You might have seen her recently in Anastasia with BEAT Children’s Theatre. She is so excited to be in this production of Fiddler on the Roof and loves all of her castmates so much! Special thanks to her family, her bunnies, and stage manager Suzie who taught her the phrase “knock on wood”. Ruby cannot wait to share this funny and a little bit sad story with you all!!!

Adina Gillett (Yente) is thrilled to be making her CTC debut in Fiddler on the Roof. She moved to Central Oregon last year with her husband, Don, to remodel a scary old house in Sunriver, and feels they have firmly established themselves as the Addams Family of the neighborhood. Adina comes from the comedy world, having been a company member of Seattle’s Jet City Improv for nearly two decades, performing, directing, and producing original full-length unscripted plays. She is excited to get back to her original love (scripted theater) where someone else has already written the lines for her to say, as that is one less thing to worry about.

Christopher A. Romero (Motel, Russian) is excited to play Motel in Fiddler on the Roof. He is currently a student pursuing an education in the performing arts. He has been acting in local theatre productions in Bend for three years, recently playing the role of Jim Conley in Parade (2023) at CTC. Apart from this, Christopher plays a part in many film and independent projects as an actor/writer. He is currently acquiring a higher education in theatre and looks forward to being a part of many productions to come.

Theryon Taylor (Perchik, Bottle Dancer, Russian, Villager) is excited to return to CTC’s stage once again. You may have seen him in previous productions at CTC, including Puffs. He is very grateful to be able to help bring such a legendary musical to life. Theryon is planning on going to college to pursue musical theatre later this year.

Steve Herron (Lazar Wolf) is delighted to appear in his first theatrical production since returning to Central Oregon in 2021. He’s been involved in theater throughout his life, with roles in several musicals and operettas. Credits include Brigadoon (Tommy), Georgie (Georgie), Mrs. Rank’s Boarding House (Thad), The Mikado (Chorus), The Pirates of Penzance (Chorus), and The Sound of Music (Chorus). Non-musical credits include A Sting in The Tail (Nigel), Southern Belles (Dub), The Silver Whistle (Reverend Watson), and Harvey (Judge Gaffney). Outside of theater, Steve enjoys playing music and spending time with his grandkids, and he appreciates his family and friends’ support. He thanks the director, production staff, and cast of Fiddler for their talent and commitment to having fun in the process.

Janelle DeCelles (Mordcha, Villager) is a seasoned veteran of the theater and is delighted and humbled to be sharing the stage for Fiddler on the Roof. After graduating a LONG time ago from a Performing Arts school in San Diego, she took a 25-year hiatus from performing to raise her family with her husband of 36 years. Nearly 10 years ago, she jumped back into theater in Bend and her passion was rekindled. Her performing experience has included traveling with a jazz sextet and a myriad of roles in musical theater productions. She is profoundly thankful for her husband and family and to God for His abundant blessings!

Warren Schweitzer (Rabbi, Villager) is ecstatic to make his Cascades Theatrical Company debut, acting debut, and musical theatre debut in this production of Fiddler on the Roof! He has previously worked as the soundboard operator for Ellipse Theatre Community’s Silent Sky and Silent Echo Theater Company’s Steel Magnolias. His interest in theatre was re-ignited after taking long-form improvisation classes with Bend Institute of Comedy, and he is grateful to be part of such a talented cast. He would also like to thank Richard, Barb, Suzie, Marianne, Michelle, Nishka, and everyone who has made this production possible.

Kate Wang (Mendel, Villager) fell in love with acting at the ripe age of eight. She has done many shows, ranging from quirky comedic plays like Goldilocks, On Trial to musicals such as Annie. She currently is taking a gap year in Bend and fostering her passion for theater, as well as her passion for working with children at her after-school program job.

Laura Lee Coffman (Grandma Tzeitel, Villager) is thrilled to be sharing the stage with this talented group of friends and honored to bring the rich traditions of Jewish culture to Bend. Her Yiddish-speaking Grandma Sarah would be proud! Past musical roles include Something Rotten!, 1776, and La Cage aux Folles. Dramatic/comedic roles include All My Sons, Sordid Lives, Time Flies and Distracted. She is a writer of poetry and shorts and is the other half of husband, Dr. Michael Coffman, xo. Thanks for attending!

Rhonda Townsend Schantz (Fruma Sarah, Nachum, Russian, Villager) has performed in numerous theatrical productions in Central Oregon, most recently as Chris in Calendar Girls at Cascade Theatrical Company. Fiddler on the Roof has a special significance to her daughter, and Rhonda is delighted to play the wild and crazy role of Lazar Wolf’s dearly departed wife, Fruma Sarah. Rhonda is on the board of Silent Echo Theater Company in Sisters, Oregon. Thanks to leading man, husband Michael, for his endless patience and support. May the Lord protect and defend you, enjoy the show and thank you so much for supporting community theater!

Andrew Mickus (Constable, Bottle Dancer, Russian, Villager) is thrilled to be on stage for the first time in a musical theater production. Having played violin in the orchestra for a number of musicals, including West Side Story and The Sound of Music, Andrew is excited to have a more visible role. A newcomer to the Bend music scene, Andrew’s singing experience consists mainly of a chorus role in Opera Bend’s Pagliacci and singing Disney songs in the shower. He can generally be found in his office or out walking with his wife, Samantha Winter, and dog, Duke.

Antony Sparrow (Fyedka, Bottle Dancer, Villager) is trained in the practical aesthetics method of acting and has been involved in community theatre and independent film for over 11 years. His most recent roles include Daniel in Trap for a Lonely Man, Smith in Murder on the Nile, Mitya in Burnt by the Sun, and Ulysses in Shakespeare’s Troilus and Cressida. Antony also directed and starred in Clifford Odett’s The Big Knife. This is Antony’s second performance with Cascade Theatrical Company. Additionally, Antony serves as director of marketing for the Sunriver Stars Community Theater. Antony would like to thank the Fiddler on the Roof cast and crew for their support, as well as his wife, Sophie, for her unyielding empowerment.

Meg Knight (Shaindel, Villager) received her BA in Dramatic Arts at UC Davis in 1986. After a hiatus of 35 years, Meg is back in theatre and loving it. She most recently stage managed You Can’t Take It with You for CTC and played Shylock in Mejaski Production’s Something Rotten! Other roles include Gingy in Love, Loss & What I Wore and Marmee in Little Women – The Musical. Meg is honored to be part of this cast and share this timeless tale which feels as relevant today as in 1900 when the original story of Tevye and his Daughters was published.

Addison Goodrich (Waiter, Yussel, Villager) is so excited to be in her first production at CTC! She is a sophomore at Bend High and this is her second show ever! Addison is a dancer and singer and loves showing it off through theatre. She wants to thank this absolutely amazing cast for supporting her and being so talented and beautiful!

Burke Orman (Avram, Villager) fell in love with acting on this very stage when she began theater at the age of seven, but she has yet to work with an adult cast until now! Her recent theater credits include RENT: School Edition, as well as Puffs, both with CTC. Burke plans to one day go to college in New York City to continue acting and theater as a career and lifestyle. She gives thanks to her incredibly talented cast, her directors, and the amazing crew who helped put this show together. Enjoy the show!

McKenzie Brass (Bottle Dancer, Russian, Villager) is super excited to be performing in her first show with CTC. She’s taken a break from theater for the last few years, but you may have previously seen her in shows with BEAT Children’s Theatre (Tom Sawyer) and Ovation Performing Arts (Oliver and Free Congo) to name just a few. Fiddler on the Roof has always been a show she’s wanted to do, and she’s excited to bring it to life on stage, along with this amazing cast! She hopes you enjoy the show!

MEET THE PRODUCTION TEAM

Richard Choate (Director) most recently directed Noises Off for Cascades Theatrical Company. He was recently seen as Tony in the Deschutes Theater Company’s production of Outside Mullingar. Since 2015, when he first moved to Central Oregon from Minnesota, Richard has appeared in Vanya, Sonia, Masha & Spike, Black Comedy and A Christmas Carol at CTC, Newsies and Titanic with TMP Productions, Young Frankenstein at 2nd Street Theater and Something Rotten! with Mejaski Productions. Richard has been involved in theater in one way or another for most of his life. He likes to direct a play, be in a play and, occasionally, write a play. Richard is glad people are back in the theater on both sides of the footlights.

Marianne Thomas (Musical Director) had the pleasure of playing Mrs. Clackett in CTC’s Fall 2023 production of Noises Off. Originally from Spokane, WA, she graduated from Brown University in Providence, RI with a BA in Music Composition and an MAT in Vocal Performance. Marianne then performed as the lead vocalist for bands and ensembles of all musical styles in Boston and New York. Missing the PNW, she moved to Bend in 2004, taught public-school music, and private piano and voice lessons. Marianne recently founded Inner Harmony Music™, which brings together her skills as musician, performer, writer, speaker, and teacher to help others heal and grow through music. The brand’s first workshop, Free Your Voice, is an empowering afternoon retreat for women who have always wanted to sing.

Michelle Mejaski (Choreographer) has been a dance instructor, producer, director, and choreographer here in Bend for 27 years. She is the owner of Mejaski Choreography & Productions and Redbird Readings. She is an award-winning tap dancer and choreographer. Michelle is very grateful for the opportunities she has had to both train and has performed internationally. Her most hilarious privilege was to be a back-up dancer for Weird Al Yankovic!

Barbara Rich (Assistant Director) is a voice actor by day as owner of Richcraft Studios and musician/actor by night. She frequently sings with the Cascade Chorale and Jazz Central, and she has been found on stage in Queen Lear, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Love, Loss & What I Wore, Little Women – The Musical, Evanescent, Arcadia, Don Giovanni, and The Secret Garden, and online in numerous audiobook productions. Her sound designs have been featured in Craig Fox Had a Wife, A Christmas Story, A Wrinkle in Time, Peter Pan, The NeverEnding Story, A Child Shall Lead, and Shakespeare in Hollywood.

Suzie Hughes (Stage Manager) moved to Bend from the San Francisco Bay Area where she was a stage manager in community theater for over 20 years. Here in Bend, she has worked with CTC (She Loves Me, Noises Off, These Shining Lives), Shore Thing Productions (Les Miserables), BEAT Children’s Theatre (Music Man, Stefanie Hero, Anastasia) and Ellipse Theatre Community (Craig Fox Had a Wife). She has so enjoyed the journey with this cast and creative team. Welcome to Anatevka!

Nishka Morton (Costumer) is thrilled to be working with Richard again. Previously she has costumed CTC’s You Can’t Take It with You and Mejaski Productions’ Something Rotten! For BEAT Children’s Theatre, she designed and created costumes for Frozen, and Oliver. She also co-costumed Lion King, Elf the Musical, Oklahoma, and Little Women. She wants to thank her husband and twins, Henry and Bella, for all their support. Enjoy the show!


FIDDLER PLAYBILL