By Chris Basinger, Staff Reporter
LEEDS, Ala.–The Leeds Arts Council is opening its production of “Fiddler on the Roof” this Thursday at the Leeds Theatre and Arts Center, featuring dozens of local talents in the all-time classic.
The show, which is the council’s final production of its current theatrical season, is directed by Brandi McClaran.
“Everybody’s super excited about it. It’s an iconic show, I mean, everyone has heard of ‘Fiddler on the Roof,’” McClaran said, adding that it is a favorite among community theaters.
37 volunteer cast members, aged 8 to their mid-60s, will feature in the play that portrays the life of a Jewish family set against the backdrop of Tsarist Russia.
“It’s a story about family and connection, you know, with your community, and there’s a little bit of something in it for everyone that they’ll like,” McClaran said.
The cast, along with five technical crew members, have been preparing for seven weeks ahead of the show’s opening this Thursday.
The production will run for two weeks, Thursday through Sunday, starting April 18 for a total of eight performances.
Tickets are available online and at the door for $20 with proceeds going toward future productions and facility maintenance.
The council will also be running a fundraiser to replace the curtains in the theater, aptly named “Curtain Call,” where community members can donate $25 to pay for one yard of fabric.
The Leeds Arts Council will open its next production season in July with its musical performance of “Anastasia.”