Belly laughs abound in iconic, heartwarming musical 'Fiddler on the Roof'

Cast of the Rochester Opera House production of 'Fiddler on the Roof' react during a table read at the beginning of rehearsals. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - If you're looking for a summer escape that'll take your mind of the heat, the humidity and the dysfunction in our capital, look no further than the Rochester Opera House, which will present the iconic "Fiddler on the Roof" beginning on Friday.
The Rochester Opera House production, directed by Patrick Dorow, choreographed by Jo Meallo and starring more than 40 local and regional actors, promises a heartwarming tale brimming with soulful wit and wisdom along with plenty of belly laughs.

Since its debut in 1964, the musical has won nine Tony Awards and is celebrating its 60th birthday this year.
"Fiddler on the Roof" is the brainchild of Broadway legends Jerome Robbins and Harold Prince, songwriters Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick and playwright Joseph Stein. It is based on stories written by Solom Aleichem.
With iconic and beloved songs such as "Sunrise, Sunset," "If I Were a Rich Man" and "Matchmaker,

Choreographer Jo Meallo works with cast on the iconic bottle dance. Dancers, from left, Sam Flurey, Michael Matthews, Ben Hanley, MelStaissa Hanley, Braden Foley.(Courtesy photo)

Matchmaker," "Fiddler on the Roof" is the perfect mix of audience-pleasing humor and heart.
​Set in the little village of Anatevka, in Ukraine, 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.

"We really have the entire village of Anatevka on stage at the Opera House," Director Patrick Dorow said. "I am very proud of the level of talent we have on stage and think the audiences will be thrilled with this production. This timeless classic is a story of family and connection to your community - what an important reminder to us now from 120 years ago when this story takes place."
Fiddler on the Roof runs July 12 - 27, 2024.
Friday, July 12: 7:30PM
Saturday, July 13: 2PM & 7:30PM
Sunday, July 14: 5PM
Wednesday, July 17: 7:30PM
Thursday, July 18: 7:30PM
Friday, July 19: 2PM & 7:30PM
Saturday, July 20: 2PM & 7:30PM
Sunday, July 21: 5PM
Wednesday, July 24: 7:30PM
Thursday, July 25: 7:30PM
Friday, July 26: 7:30PM
Saturday, July 27: 2PM & 7:30PM
For tickets and more information, visit www.rochesteroperahouse.com
Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St, Rochester, NH 03867