'Fiddler On The Roof' opens today at Little Theatre

"Fiddler on the Roof," an American classic about changing traditions in a changing world and the challenges a father faces in this world, returns to Highlands Little Theatre today until Nov. 22.

Directed by Frank Oberhausen and Kathy MacNeill, the play brings together a cast of 50 as they act, sing and dance in a village set in Tsarist Russia in the early 1900s.

In the play, the main character, Tevye - a Jewish father of five daughters - encounters challenges to his faith when three of his daughters defy tradition and select their own husbands. How Tevye's love for his daughters helps resolve the conflicts gives the play its warm, funny flavor.

Many of the musical's numbers, "If I Were A Rich Man," "Sunrise, Sunset," and "Matchmaker, Matchmaker," have become Broadway favorites.

Veteran Little Theatre actor Pete Pollard played Tevye when he was 39. Today, at age 61, Pollard returns as the dad, but with more acting experience and a better perspective on life behind him.

"He's my favorite role," added Pollard about his part. "It's, to a great extent, a realization of a dream."

Pollard is not the only one with old ties to the play. While Pollard has acted in the play four times, Oberhausen has directed Fiddler three times, including this one.

"I love this play," he added. "It's a beautiful story about oppressed people."

The cast spent several months rehearsing. Auditions took place in July.

When the curtains open today, many like Oberhausen will experience the most fulfilling part of theater.

"The best part is opening night," Oberhausen said. "It's supposed to be the time when everything comes together."

Performances will be held Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday until Nov. 22.

The Sunday show is a matinee and Wednesday performances take place in the evenings.

Tickets to just the show cost $15. The Sunday dessert matinee, where dessert is served during intermission, is $20. Dinner and show on Friday and Saturday costs $40 each.

Tickets can be purchased online at highlandslittletheatre.org. Box office hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. and Tuesday 6-8 p.m., and before each performance.

To contact the box office, call 382-2525.

The Little Theatre is located in the Altvater Cultural Complex, 356 W. Center Ave., Sebring.