Drury Lane Theatre is pleased to announce casting for its final show of the 2023/2024 season, the beloved Fiddler on the Roof. The cast of “Fiddler on the Roof” includes Mark David Kaplan (Tevye), Janna Cardia (Golde), Emma Rosenthal (Tzeitel), Yael Chanukov (Hodel), Abby Goldberg (Chava), Lea Grace Biwer (Schprintze), Estella Mccarthy Schultz (Bielke), Michael Kurowski (Motel), Zach Sorrow (Perchik), Grant Kilian (Fyedka), Molly Dibble (Alternate Schprintze/Bielke), Janet Ulrich Brooks (Yenta), Joel Gelman (Lazar Wolf), Jeff Parker (Constable), with Dara Cameron (Fruma-Sarah), Thom Cox (Nachum/Yussel), Bill Mcgough (Rabbi), Karl Hamilton (Mordcha), Susan Hofflander (Grandma Tzeitel), Nathan Kabara (Avram), Sam Shankman (Mendel). Rounding out the ensemble are Mack Alexander, Jenessa Altvater, Jessica Deahr, Daniel Hurst, Dani Johns, Will Leonard, Jordan Radis, Elizabeth Romero, Jacob Simon, Mitzi Smith, and Jodi Snyder.
“Now more than ever, “Fiddler on the Roof” speaks to the universal desire to protect our beliefs and traditions while the ground continually shifts beneath us,” comments director Elizabeth Margolius. “This new, evocative approach to “Fiddler on the Roof” puts the focus on the people in hopes of illuminating this story as never before and inspiring us to question who we are and what we will leave behind for future generations.”
Fiddler on the Roof is directed by Elizabeth Margolius with music direction by Chris Sargent and choreography by Rommy Sandhu. The creative team also includes Jack McGaw (scenic design), Linda Roethke (costume design), Jason Lynch (lighting design), Ray Nardelli (sound design), Mike Tutaj (projection design), Cassy Schillo (properties design) and Larry Baker (production stage manager). The associate director is Daren Leonard and the associate choreographer is John Michael Coppola.
The Tony Award-winning musical masterpiece features music by Jerry Bock, book by Joseph Stein, and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. “Fiddler on the Roof” was originally produced for the New York stage by Harold Prince and directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins. “Fiddler on the Roof” runs January 24 – March 24, 2024, at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace.
Mark David Kaplan who plays the central character of Tevye, is well-known to Chicago audiences. He is a multiple Jeff Award-winner with credits at Drury Lane Theatre, Marriott Theatre, Paramount Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, and Lyric Opera of Chicago. He spent five years playing Zazu in the National Tour of Disney’s “The Lion King.”
Lea Grace Biwer, who plays daughter Schprintze among the principal cast, was the winner of a 2022 Heartstrings Award for her performance in “White Christmas” at Music Theater Works. The Heartstrings Awards are presented by Life and Times, under the direction of chief theatre critic Rikki Lee Travolta. They serve to celebrate the most meaningful performances and theatrical productions in the Chicagoland area.
“It is such a joy to see Lea Grace Biwer continue to excel and gain a strong reputation of excellence in the Chicagoland theatre community,” says Travolta. “I have had the joy of seeing Lea perform in a variety of roles and she continues to grow and develop as an artist. She has true star potential and I look forward to seeing her in Elizabeth Margolius’ new vision for this classic work.”
Ensemble member Will Leonard was a 2023 Heartstrings Award winner for his role in the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre production of “The Addams Family.”
“Will Leonard is a very talented performer. He adds little nuances and details to his characters, even when there isn’t a lot of dialogue. I really like his skills and what he adds to a cast,” notes Travolta.
Tickets are available online at drurylanetheatre.com or by phone at (630) 530-0111.
Schedule:
Wednesdays and Thursdays: 1:30 p.m.
Thursdays: 7:00 p.m.
Fridays: 7:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Sundays: 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Location: Drury Lane Theatre at 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace
Fiddler on the Roof is rated G.
