(CRANFORD, NJ) — The final production of the 107th season at CDC Theatre in Cranford is the wonderful musical Fiddler On The Roof. The multi-award-winning tale of Tevye the Dairyman and his family's struggles in a changing Russia is a true musical theatre "tradition." Performances run weekends from May 1-17, 2026.
Premiering on Broadway in 1964, it became one of the longest-running shows of its time. Featuring memorable songs like “Tradition,” “If I Were A Rich Man” and “Sunrise, Sunset,” this beloved work explores the universal human struggles of tradition and change, family love, generational conflict and displacement and migration. Using strong cultural storytelling to blend serious social issues with music and humor, Fiddler on the Roof is a poignant exploration of family, community, and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity.
Director Emma Taylor Schwartz, a Cranford native, shared “This is my fifth production of Fiddler, and I only love it more and more each time. You could call me a superfan. What a gorgeous show that is both classic and contemporary, with nuance in every scene. It is a non-traditional love story, one that features romantic love, but also love of culture, love of community, love of family and love of identity. I've always resonated with the story and find that anyone of any background can find something to relate to. You don't have to be Jewish to connect with it on a deep level. If you have or had a parent, a child, a family, or a community, you'll relate to these characters.”
Performances take place Friday, May 1 at 8:00pm; Saturday, May 2 at 8:00pm; Friday, May 8 at 8:00pm; Saturday, May 9 at 2:00pm; Sunday, May 10 at 2:00pm; Friday, May 15 at 8:00pm; Saturday, May 16 at 8:00pm; and Sunday, May 17 at 2:00pm. Tickets are available for purchase online. The theater is located at 78 Winans Avenue in Cranford, New Jersey.
Continuing a new program at CDC Theatre, the final performance on May 17th will feature a talented quartet of ASL interpreters. ASL interpreters in theatre do more than translate dialogue; they bring the emotional and artistic essence of a performance to Deaf audiences, making live theatre a truly inclusive experience. While making the performance accessible to Deaf and hearing-impaired audiences they are also performers in their own right, contributing artistically to the performance and we are pleased to welcome them back to CDC Theatre.
The company will be led by Larry Brustofski as Tevye and Elle Michaeli as his wife Golde. Their older daughters will be played by Gabrielle Traub (Tzeitel), Katherine Hope Stelma (Hodel), and Nina Randazzo (Chava). Mark Zebro Jr is Lazar Wolf, Bill Geltzeiler, Max Kopla and James Hahn will portray Motel, Perchik and Fyedka. Lori Travers and Rachel Love, Fruma Sarah and Grandma Tzeitel with Gloria Schnure taking the part of Yente.
Among the rest of the cast are Tess Engst-Mansilla, Kevin Chauca, Elise Reilly, Gabe Weiss, Melissa Yesalavich, Ryan Green, Felix Teide, Elvan Yang, Zach Love, Alissa Valiante, Leanne Laurino, Allison Giles, Elyssa Loughlin, Emi Simonds, Jack Ennis, Lauren Jeske, Rod Belle, Sophia Rivas, and Thomas McCartney.
The production team includes Director & Choreographer: Emma Taylor Schwartz; Producer: Joel Redmount; Music Director: Christynn Morris; and Stage Manager: Daria Davidoff.
These performances are made possible by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
The Cranford Dramatic Club is a non profit all volunteer organization whose purpose is to: Produce and present plays of merit; Develop, by discussion and active participation, the talents of members in all phases of dramatic work, e.g., directing, acting, staging, etc.; and Stimulate community interest in amateur theater.
