R.J. Lewis as Tevye in the upcoming production of the classical musical, “Fiddler on the Roof”
(WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- A beloved musical following a family’s celebration of life and all of its challenges, "Fiddler on the Roof," comes to life on the Kelsey Theatre stage from June 6-15, 2025 on the West Windsor Campus of Mercer County Community College. Presented by Theater To Go, this internationally celebrated musical delivers a profound message of resilience, unity, and hope, making it as relevant today as when it debuted on Broadway in 1964.
Set in the Russian village of Anatevka, “Fiddler on the Roof” follows Tevye, a humble Jewish milkman, as he struggles to maintain his family’s traditions while navigating a rapidly changing world. As his daughters seek to forge their own paths, Tevye must confront the shifting social and political landscape around him.
Featuring unforgettable songs like “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” and “Tradition,” the musical resonates deeply with themes of identity, familial love, and the eternal conflict between old and new ways of life. Directed by Ruth Markoe, this production of “Fiddler on the Roof” brings fresh perspective while honoring its deep cultural and emotional roots.
“In these times, when our world feels more divided than ever, Fiddler on the Roof serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of tradition, community, and family in an ever-changing world,” says Markoe. “But even in difficult times, joy can transcend adversity, as we see in some of the beloved music in Fiddler.”
Dates and showtimes for “Fiddler on the Roof” are Friday, June 6 and June 13, and Saturday, June 7, at 8:00pm; and Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8 and June 15 at 2:00pm at the Kelsey Theatre on MCCC’s West Windsor Campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. Tickets are $26 for adults and $24 for children and students, and may be purchased online at www.kelseytheatre.org or by calling the Kelsey Box Office Monday through Thursday, 9:00am to noon, at (609) 570-3333.
The production features a talented cast that includes R.J. Lewis of Phillipsburg, N.J., as Tevye; Lauren Friedman of Manalapan, N.J., as Golde; and Jenny Weiner of East Windsor, N.J., as Yente the Matchmaker. Rounding out the cast are Tom Besselieu, Jessica Braynor, Evelyn Braynor, Jaylen Stanley, K.C. Cavalieri, and Chris Schmalbach of Lawrenceville,N.J.; Chris Boerner, Clayton Boerner, and Melody Weiner of East Windsor, N.J.; Trinity Austin of Trenton, N.J.; Lex Friedman of Manalapan, N.J.; Pat Rounds, Rafaella Mousa, Jim Morris and Shawn Simmons of Hamilton N.J.; Reba Holley of Pennington N.J.; Lucinda Fischer of Stockton, N.J.; Leanna Collins of New Egypt, N.J.; Deni Sobotka of Interlaken N.J.; Lucy Spiegel of Doylestown Pa.; Jenni Profera of Philadelphia; Sean Gavin of Allentown, N.J.; Alex Search of Levittown, Pa.; Raina Lewis of Allentown, Pa.; Steve Wolfe of Newtown, Pa.; Richard Kirschner of New Hope, Pa.; Ethan Schaev of Robbinsville, N.J.; and Alex Ridder of Flemington, N.J.; and Brian Wurtz and Anthony Wurtz of Hamilton.
The creative team includes Ruth Markoe, Lawrenceville, director/producer; Sue den Outer, Langhorne, Pa., musical director; Haley Schmalbach, Lawrenceville, choreographer/assistant director; Christine Heffon, Hamilton, stage manager; Ian Smith and Lauren Fogarty, Mt. Laurel, N.J., set design; Melissa Rittmann, Ewing, N.J., costumes; Kitty Getlik, Hamilton, lighting design; and Eric Collins, Trenton, sound design.
Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible, with free parking next to the Theatre. For a complete listing of adult and children's events, visit the Kelsey website or call the box office for a brochure.
