“Fiddler on the Roof” performed at CU theatre

By Sabine Kortals

Directed and choreographed by Gary John La Rosa, 2015-16 Roe Green Visiting Theatre Artist, CU-Boulder Theatre & Dance presents “Fiddler on the Roof,” Nov. 6-15 in the University Theatre on campus.

“A stunning, joyful and jubilant musical masterpiece” (New York Daily News), this production of “Fiddler on the Roof” features the original 1964 stage direction and choreography created by the legendary Jerome Robbins, as well as the music and lyrics of Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, respectively.

“I am very excited about our production at CU,” says La Rosa of the musical, conceived by Joseph Stein. “Audiences can expect a performance that honors the Broadway original and features Robbins’ masterful choreography recreated.

“The University Theatre has a large stage, but it’s an intimate house which is perfect for this show. We have a terrific cast of both students and professionals who have totally embraced the material. It’s so wonderful to see how they’ve immersed themselves in the culture that is ‘Fiddler.’”

We have a terrific cast of both students and professionals who have totally embraced the material. It’s so wonderful to see how they’ve immersed themselves in the culture that is ‘Fiddler.’”

Drawing on the humorous and humane tales of Sholem Aleichem, “Fiddler on the Roof,” tells the story of a poor, Jewish dairyman, his wife and their five daughters in a Russian village at the turn of the century.

“My personal experiences with ‘Fiddler’ are varied,” continues La Rosa, who has directed and choreographed more than 200 productions nationally. In 2014—celebrating the 50th Anniversary of “Fiddler on the Roof” and the 90th birthday of lyricist Sheldon Harnick—La Rosa directed “Raising the Roof” on Broadway. “As a child, it was the first show I saw on Broadway. Over the years, I performed multiple roles in multiple productions, and I had the good fortune to work with all the creators. Having learned the show from Robbins’ assistant, I’m proud to pass on the tradition to new generations.”

Adds La Rosa, “People often ask me, do I ever get tired of working on ‘Fiddler’? I tell them that you can’t get tired of working on a masterpiece. It’s one of the world’s most successful and beloved musicals. It’s timeless and universal...and it’s so well written, entertaining and moving that it’s always a joyful artistic endeavor.”

Showtimes for “Fiddler on the Roof”:

Friday, Nov. 6, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 8, 2 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 15, 2 p.m.

Tickets for “Fiddler on the Roof” start at $22. To purchase tickets, visit the CU Presents box office in person (972 Broadway) or call 303-492-8008 during business hours; or visit us online, anytime. Note: All online and phone orders are subject to a service fee. 

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Coming up this month as part of CU-Boulder’s 2015-16 theater season are “Woyzeck: The Endless Cycle 1.0” (an original adaptation of Georg Buchner’s “Woyzeck”) and “The 39 Steps” by John Buchan in a hilarious adaption by Patrick Barlow. Click here for more information on all our performances – including free shows featuring the work of talented undergraduate dancers, choreographers, directors, designers and actors.

CU Presents offers the best in performing arts on the University of Colorado Boulder campus, including theArtist Series, theCollege of Music, theColorado Shakespeare Festival,Eklund Opera, theHoliday Festival, theTakács Quartet Chamber and Encore Series, and CU Theatre & Dance.

Sabine Kortals is interim director of communications for CU Presents.

Oct. 15, 2015