The Majestic Players will bring another classic musical to life.
The group will present “Fiddler on the Roof” at 7 p.m. today, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Majestic Theater, 209 N. Centre St., Pottsville. Tickets are $15 and available by calling 570-628-4647.
“Fiddler on the Roof” follows the story of Tevye, father of five daughters, as he tries to maintain Jewish religious and cultural traditions during a period of change for Russian Jews. The milkman is tested by his elder daughters’ actions in choosing husbands for themselves instead of leaving it up to the matchmaker, while facing growing anti-Semitism in Russia.
In the Majestic Players version, the lead role of Tevye is played by Greg McGovern, Pottsville.
McGovern said it is his eighth time playing the role.
“Somebody made a joke that I’m the traveling Tevye,” he said.
While familiar with the role, this will be McGovern’s first time performing with the Majestic Players, and this opportunity has helped him develop a clearer vision of his character.
“Doing it so many times, I find something different about the character and that’s partially because of the cast and crew,” he said.
McGovern said he is drawn to the role because Tevye is a father figure who is trying to marry off his daughters in accordance with Jewish tradition, but they have found love in a different way. It’s a path that has him questioning the meaning of love.
McGovern said “Fiddler of the Roof” also brings to light the Jewish communities struggles in Russia. McGovern said many people know the troubles the Jewish community had in Germany, but they may not know there was a similar story in Russia.
“We have a great group of talented people to bring this show to the stage. Hopefully we will enlighten the audience, and we do our jobs as actors and they leave the theater feeling good,” he said.
Other cast members include Tori Correll, Zehn Schropp, Alysa Schappell, Jared Kehler, Skylar Gunning, Emily Sterner, Joshua Peckman, Tyler Rossi, Sean Bennett, Loretta Murphy, Steve Durkin and Karen Durkin.
The musical is under the direction of Dan Mock, while Sandy Kost-Sterner serves as producer. Lisa Gillespie is the assistant director, and Mindy Hoopes and Katrina Calvin are music director and choreographer.
Formed in 2015, the Majestic Players are in their second season. Although young, the group has been ambitious in its work to grow and sustain a healthy theater scene in Schuylkill County.
In addition to “Fiddler on the Roof” the group brought popular musicals “Rent” and “Aladdin” to the stage. The latter was the junior production, showcasing the young talent the county has to offer.
The Majestic Players have two more musicals on their 2016 schedule. “Back to the 80s” is slated for July 29 to 31, and “Seussical Jr.” is planned for Nov. 11-13.
For more information, visit www.majestictheater.net or its Facebook page at Majestic Theater.