Aldrich & Associates, Inc.

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NEWS

"FIDDLER ON THE ROOF," WINNER OF NINE TONY AWARDS,
OPENS DECEMBER 3 AT REDONDO BEACH PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

PRESS OPENING IS SATURDAY, DEC. 6

REDONDO BEACH, Calif., November 21, 2008 – The Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities presents the heart-warming and nostalgic musical "Fiddler on the Roof," directed and choreographed by Jon Engstrom and opening December 3, 8 p.m. at the 1400-seat Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach. The original Broadway production won a special Tony in 1972 for "the longest running musical in Broadway history."

Rich in historical and ethnic detail, "Fiddler on the Roof" has touched audiences around the world with its humor, warmth and honesty. Its universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy and sadness. The show features a star turn in Tevye, among the most memorable roles in musical theatre, played by Zero Mostel in the original Broadway production. Originally directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins, its celebrated score by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, features songs loved the world over: "Sunrise, Sunset," "If I Were A Rich Man" and "Matchmaker," to name a few.

The CLOSBC production of "Fiddler on the Roof" stars Thomas Fiscella as Tevye, Richard Israel as Motel, Carly Nykanen as Tzeitel, Stephen Reynolds as Lazar Wolf, Victoria Strong as Golde, Arlene Thomas as Yente, and Kelby Thwaits as Fyedka. The principal cast also includes Deidre Haren, Michaelia Leigh, and Jason Webb.

Fiscella, making his CLOSBC debut, appeared most recently in acclaimed performances of "Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune" at International City Theatre, and the world premiere of "Tranced at The Laguna Playhouse." Israel has played in CLOSBC's "Titanic" and also appeared in Reprise!s "My One And Only," "Company," "On The 20th Century" and "1776." Nykanen appeared in "Twice Upon a Time" earlier this year at CLOSBC, The Old Globe's "Dr Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas," and "Urinetown" at San Diego's Starlight theatre. Reynolds previously played in CLOSBC's production of "Oliver!" and recently appeared at the Norris Theater in "Lend Me A Tenor." Strong is a perennial favorite of CLOSBC, having appeared in "Phantom of the Opera," "The Sound Of Music," "A Christmas Carol," and "Ragtime." Thomas' musical theatre credits include the original cast of "Beauty and the Beast," Hal Prince's mega-Tony winning hit, "Showboat," and the American premiere tour of "Jolson, the Musical."

Musical direction of "Fiddler on the Roof" is by Dennis Castellano, lighting design is by Darrell Clark, sound design is by John Feinstein, and production stage manager is Gary Breitbach.

Engstrom has worked throughout the United States & overseas. His production of "42nd Street" in Germany was voted by the International Press as one of the two most popular musicals in Europe. He recently directed and choreographed the first staged production of a new musical version of "Little Women." Engstrom's efforts have earned eight Drama-Logue Awards and two Robby Awards.

"'Fiddler On The Roof' is simply Broadway at its very best," says James A. Blackman III, executive producer of CLOSBC.

"Fiddler on the Roof" opens December 3 and runs through December 21, Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. on December 13 and 20, Sundays at 2 p.m., and Sunday evening performances at 7 p.m. on December 14 and 21. Tickets are priced at $40 to $60 and can be purchased online at civiclightopera.com or by calling (310) 372-4477.  The Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center is located on the Northeast corner of Aviation and Manhattan Beach Boulevards.

The award-winning production company is under the direction of Blackman, Christopher Beyries, managing director, and Stephanie A. Coltrin, artistic director. The largest producing civic light opera in Southern California, the Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities is a not-for-profit cultural arts institution dedicated to the preservation and presentation of American musical art forms.

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For reservations to Press Night, Saturday, December 6, contact: sandy@aldrichpr.com

CALENDAR

The Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities presents "Fiddler on the Roof" Dec. 3 – 21, 2008 at the 1400-seat Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach. Rich in historical and ethnic detail, "Fiddler on the Roof" has touched audiences around the world with its humor, warmth and honesty. Its universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion. Opens Dec. 3 and runs through Dec. 21, Tues. – Sat. at 8 p.m., Sat. matinees at 2 p.m. on Dec. 13 and 20, Sun. at 2 p.m., and Sun. evening performances at 7 p.m. on Dec. 14 and 21. Tickets $40 - $60. Call (310) 372-4477 or visit civiclightopera.com for tickets.

Contact:

Sandy Smith, Larry Aldrich

Aldrich & Associates, Inc.

(562) 436-5156

sandy@aldrichpr.com

or

James A. Blackman III, Stephanie A. Coltrin

Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities

(310) 372-4477