Fiddler On the Roof
Fiddler on the Roof is a beloved musical that celebrates tradition, family, and the resilience of community. Set in a small village in Imperial Russia, the story follows a devoted father striving to preserve his cultural and religious traditions while the world around him begins to change. Filled with iconic songs, heartfelt humor, and powerful emotion, Fiddler on the Roof explores the balance between honoring the past and embracing the future, making it a timeless and deeply moving theatrical experience.
Photos courtesy of Martin Seelig, Catchlight Gallery
Directors Note
“A fiddler on the roof. Soundscrazy, no? But in our little village of Anatevka, you might say every one of us is a fiddler on the roof,”Fiddler on the Roof is the musical retelling of Sholem Aleichem’s delightful 19th century tales of community life in the fictional Jewish settlement of Anatevka, Russia. Taken at times directly from Aleichem’s collected tales of Tevya, the Dairyman, this play specifically follows Tevya, a common Jew, his wife, Golde and five daughters. As the world changes around him, Tevya strives to balance the challenges of daily living with traditional Jewish values. Directing this musical has been a challenge for us as co-directors, but through cooperation, consideration and unique collaboration, we hope to bring to you a story you will remember and music that will ring in your head for days to come. Join us, and the delightful cast and crew that have worked so hard, on our journey to Anatevka in song, prayer and a bit of humor too.
L’Chaim,
Della & Rebecca
Who’s Who?
Janie Adams
Shaindel, is a first-timer debutingin the Ensemble of Fiddler on the Roof. She has been involved in music her whole life. She is a singer, pianist, and, more recently, former Music Ministry Director at First Baptist Church, West Jefferson. She wants to thank the talented and hard-working veteran theatre members for being so welcoming and helpful as she performs in this wonderful musical with them. Janie would also like to thank her husband Tom for his love and support in all her musical endeavors. L’chaiim!”
Stephen Banks
Perchick. Stephen is grateful and excited to be playing the role of Perchik in this production. When he isn’t humming a musical theatre show-tune, he can also be found playing piano, using long words, and staring off into space dramatically. He is thankful to his family and friends for everything they have done to help shape him into who he is today. Lastly, he thanks the cast for the warm welcome and a great learning environment! Break a leg!
Levi Blevins
Fyedka. Levi has been doing theatre since third grade, and has been involved in num erous productions including Lost in Yonkers, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Hobbit, Our Town, High School Musical, and more! He is endlessly fascinated with the world and a firm believer in the goodness of humanity. He definitely doesn’t have way too many interests to possibly pursue including art, writing, physics, anthropology, and a billion other things so stop saying he does because he totally doesn’t, okay?
Basil Boley
Shprintze, is so excited to be doing musical theatre again. The last production she did was Peter Pan Junior and she starred as Peter Pan. Basil is 12 years old and homeschooled. She loves music, sketching, painting, and reading anything she can get her hands on. She is so excited to be doing this production with her mom and loves to sing with her in the car on the way to play practice. She dedicates her performance to God.
Colette Boley
Villager, feels so blessed to join this production. It has been a long time since she has done theatre, and her daughter Basil Boley has inspired her to try it again. She is so thankful that she gets to be in this production with her daughter and thanks the Lord for the ability to sing and dance even into her 40’s!
Jocelynn Chatham
The Fiddler. Hi I’m Jocelynn and I am 13 years old, and I am going into 9th grade at AECHS this fall. My hobbies outside of theatre are volleyball, playing fiddle and guitar and hanging out with my friends. I am so blessed to be able to play in Fiddler on the Roof, and I am thankful to be able to play live music in this show. I hope to be in many more productions that come to Ashe County Little Theatre.
Olivia Cooper
Stage Manager, is excited to work on Fiddler on the Roof. She previously stage managed ACLT’s production of Angel Street and Alleghany Community Theatre’s, Frankenstein. She also acts and has previously appeared in ACLTs’ Young Frankenstein, Gypsy and To Kill a Mockingbird, Wilkes Playmakers, The Real Story of Alice in Wonderland, ACT’s, Lizzie Borden of Fall River, and many other shows in Ashe, Alleghany and Watauga counties. Olivia enjoys expressing her creativity through knitting, painting, and sewing.
Ashlyn Dean
Villager, is 12 years old and is super excited to be in the Fiddler on the Roof! She last performed as Anna in Frozen Jr. She has been in the shows Twinderella, Shrek, Elf, The Lion King, Wizard of Oz, Little Mermaid, Beauty & the Beast, Aristocats, and Aladdin. In addition to musical theatre, she loves cooking, baking, reading, writing books, dancing, knitting, crocheting, and playing the violin.
Emily Dean
Bielke, is almost 8 years old and is very excited to be performing as Bielke, Tevye’s youngest daughter. Her smile and charm have dazzled other performances including Beanstalk’s Frozen Jr., Shrek the Musical, Twinderella, and Wizard of Oz. She also loves puppies, kitties, owls, swimming, knitting, and crocheting.
Robyn Dean
Grandma Tzeitel, is very excited to be Grandma Tzeitel and a Townsperson in her first show with Ashe County Little Theatre. She was the musical director for Beanstalk’s Frozen Jr. last fall. She has also performed as Glinda and Aunt Em in Wizard of Oz and as Mary Poppins. She loves to sing and play the piano and has been involved in music ministry for over twenty years. She currently serves at St. Francis Catholic Church in Lenoir.
Jeff Dreyer
Tevye, Jeff has been involved in many, many ACLT shows, both on stage and behind the scenes and has directed several productions as well. Some of his past roles have been Inspector Javert in Les Misérables, Daddy Warbucks in Annie, and Big Daddy in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. He is happily retired from AEV and lives at Mountain Aire with his wife Linda.
Linda Dreyer
Fruma-Sarah. Linda has been an ACLT regular since she appeared as Sister Margaretta in The Sound of Music in 2005. Other favorite roles include Chris Harper in Calendar Girls, Lexie Richards in The Dixie Swim Club, Madame Thénardier in Les Misérables and Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire. She will be retiring on June 30 from the Ashe County Arts Council where she has been Director of Operations for 26 years.
Parker Dula
Orchestra Director, is a newcomer to Ashe and is the band director at Ashe County High School. Parker originally grew up in Hendersonville NC and received his bachelor’s in music education from UNC Greensboro in 2023. Before coming to Ashe, Parker taught in the Winston-Salem Greensboro area assisting at various high schools while in school. Primarily a tuba player, Parker is a regular of the Watauga Community Band and enjoys performing and teaching music regularly.
Kimberly Dunning
Villager, is 13 and will be going into the 8th grade next year. Kimmy enjoys spending time with all her animals! Kimmy’s favorite color is pink and favorite singer is Taylor Swift! She spends her free time hanging out with her best friend Kenzie.
Melissa Edmondson
Villager. M elissa has been involved with ACLT for 13 years. Along with acting in various shows, she has also enjoyed the tech side of things, such as stage manager, lighting tech, spot lighting, and working with publicity. She has also been a producer and director. She is married to her best friend and “sound guy,” Richard, and loves that they can work together to bring audiences these beautiful stories. Enjoy the show!
Delia Gambill
Villager, was born to be in theatre. It’s in her blood. Her mother and grandmother had her involved in theatre since she was one year old. She attends Blue Ridge Elementary School, loves to draw, and is always dressing up … even when not on stage. Delia has previously been seen on stage as Matilda in Matilda the Musical. She always has a wonderful time with all of her theatre friends and she hopes you enjoy the show.
Jan Gambill
Yente. This is Jan’s 50th year with ACLT. She has acted in and directed many shows. She is honored to be chosen as Yente, the matchmaker – a dream role for this “mature” actor. “Fiddler’ has always been one of her favorite musicals. She is especially happy to be on stage with her daughter Jill and granddaughter, Delia. Their last collaboration was the musical, Matilda, which Jan directed and both Jill and Delia played starring roles. Jan’s latest role was Abby in the ACLT March production, Ripcord. She wants to thank ACLT for allowing her to keep on being a part of this wonderful theatre family.
Jill Gambill
Villager, has been teaching for 26 years. Jill attended UNC-Greensboro with a Teaching Fellow scholarship and has her degree in Art Education. She received her Master’s in Media in 2006 from Appalachian State University. Over a decade ago, she started filming her lessons and has never looked back. She has been the Visual Arts teacher at Ashe County Middle School for the past 25 years. In her free time, she is active in the Ashe County Little Theatre and enjoys crocheting. She lives in Ashe County with her daughter, cat, and two dogs.
Mary Greenwood
Tzeitel, has been singing and performing in high school, college, and community theatre for twenty-something years now. This is her first performance with ACLT, and she is excited to be here! When not rehearsing for Fiddler, Mary teaches French, does freelance web development and takes leisurely strolls with her dog Roxie.
Connie Hardison
Rifka, is excited to be a part of the ensemble/chorus and playing the role of villager Shaindel. Connie made her debut at ACLT in 2005 as Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music. She has enjoyed starring in other plays and musicals like Harvey, Mame, The Secret Garden, & Annie. She is thrilled to be sharing this experience with two of her best friends! Thanks to her husband Neal for his love & support!
Cynthia Harless
Choreographer. Cynthia is no stranger to the Ashe County Little Theatre. She has been on the stage, in the wings, or back stage since she was five. Cynthia’s background in dance has allowed her to choreograph for ACLT. Cynthia is thankful to have had a small part in her dad’s favorite musical. She loves combining her passions and sharing her love for all things theatre with her daughters.
Maggie Harless
Villager. Maggie started her acting career as a mushroom (Grow roots!) in Missoula Children’s production of Rapunzel in 2016. With a background in dance and an interest in fashion, Maggie enjoys all aspects of the theatre. She has been thankful for the many opportunities she has had with the ACLT and looks forward to many more.
Malorie Harless
Villager. Malorie, age 12, is no stranger to the stage. She began dancing at age two and performed as a squirrel in ACLT’s Willy Wonka in 2017. Malorie has enjoyed performing in musicals like Gypsy and Matilda. Most recently, Malorie was seen as the Ghost of Christmas Past. Malorie enjoys singing and dancing through life!
Michael L. Howell
Mendel. Mike became involved with ACLT and hooked on performing one year ago with Young Frankenstein: The Musical. You may recognize him as Scrooge’s nephew, Fred, in A Christmas Carol or, most recently, Scotty from Ripcord! He’s excited to be in a second musical and thanks the directors, producer, cast, and crew for all the fun! And he thanks Brownie and Patch--who patiently waited for rehearsals to end for their walks and dinner.
Reid Idol
Motel, is 16 years old. He started taking improv and acting classes at The Redmond Academy of Theatre Arts in WA when he was in elementary school. He is currently an acting student at HCPAA, where he has previously performed in original plays. His first play with the Ashe County Little Theatre was Ripcord playing as the Zombie Butler. He is excited to be a part of Fiddler on The Roof!
Junine Johnson
Golda. Junine is delighted to return to the High Country stage debuting as Golde in ACLT’s timeless and timely Fiddler gem. When not in character - e.g., Sandra (Big Fish), Jenny (Company), Rona (Spelling Bee) - she’s jeepin’ mountains, cuddling her rescue doodles, and remote-lawyering/researching covenants. Junine thanks Della, Rebecca and the wonderful ACLT cast/crew for the warm welcome, and HAPPY 51ST ANNIVERSARY to her parents, June and John, whose relationship successfully weathers all storms and somehow still manages to inspire this cynical divorced daughter as the example of a perfect marriage.
Michael Kotula
Lazar Wolf. M ike has been involved with ACLT for one year. This is his fourth show. After a 42-year career at CSX Transportation, getting involved in theatre was one of his bucket list items. One of Mike’s favorite roles was Tony in West Side Story. He played Tony his senior year in high school. Mike was also lead singer in a garage band during and after high school.
Gage Lambert
Nachum, Begger. Gage attends school at Ashe County Middle school. At ACLT, he has been in Young Frankenstein, A Christmas Carol and now, Fiddler on the Roof. His hobbies outside of school are playing his saxophone and watching scary movies. He’s enjoyed being Nachum, Begger in Fiddler.
Marc Lumley
Music Director, began his musical studies at age 11. As a French hornist, he was blessed to perform with a wide range of artists from Ray Charles to Luciano Pavarotti and has been a member of many orchestras and theatre productions. He is a retired, award winning band director and private instructor and was honored by The Foundation for Music Excellence as the 2021 French Horn Teacher of the Year. Marc is excited to be in his 4th production of Fiddler as this marks his first as music director.
Monica Lumley
Villager. She is a strong Christian woman who gives all Glory to God for her salvation and the talents He has given her. Graduating as an Honor Thespian, she went on to do her most admired work, working side by side with Jeanette Cliff George’s, Parables on Stage. She holds two degrees in Mathematics and sang in the Cornerstone Choir in San Antonio. Now retired, she and Marc live in Trade, TN.
Michael Malloy
Rabbi. This is Michael’s sixth season with ACLT. Michael loves entertaining and bringing life to the characters he portrays. More memorable characters: Igor (Young Frankenstein), Sebastian (Little Mermaid), Mr. Wormwood (Matilda) and Clarence Davenport (Parlour Tricks). Michael serves as organist at Laurel Mountain Moravian Fellowship and lives in the Chestnut Hill area with his husband Larry and beagles Max & Smokey.
Edie Miller
Villager. Edie is a veteran of 38 years with ACLT. She has been in numerous productions over the years. She loves working onstage or backstage. Her favorite roles have been Lennie in Crimes of the Heart and Alora in Walking Across Eqypt. Her last production was ACLT’s A Christmas Carol. Fiddler has been fun with a great cast. Edie has been employed at United Chemi-Con for 55 years. She lives in Jefferson and is married to Eddie. They have a fur baby cat named Stewball.
Les Miller
Mordcha. Les is happy to be sharing the stage with a wonderful and talented cast. Some of these actors have graced the stage with him since he began with ACLT in 2008. You may have seen Les in last year’s production of Young Frankenstein where he played multiple roles (7). In addition to ACLT, Les has also performed with Beanstalk Theatre and with Autumn at Oz. Les wants to thank his wife Marilyn and his son Landon for always putting up with his craziness.
Vicki Mincey
Mirala, is excited to be debuting at ACLT. She decided to step outside the box, after just retiring, to enjoy ACLT with some of her dearest friends. Vicki enjoyed chorus in school and University Singers at ASU. She now sings in a female quartet that was formerly a trio, Three for Thee. She enjoys golfing, kayaking, gardening, fishing and walks with her dog, Asher. Vicki wants to thank her husband, Mike, for his love and support.
Mike Rocha
Avram, is thrilled to be performing Avram the Bookseller in Fiddler on the Roof. This is his first ever role in a musical. He enjoys woodworking, movies, and home projects. His experience includes clarinet, sax, and chorus in middle school and high school. He got “the acting bug” after really enjoying ACLT’s Ripcord. He thanks everyone involved with ACLT for allowing him to be a part of the show. Enjoy!
Anna Simmons
Chava, is very excited to be back on stage at ACLT after a six-year acting hiatus and is elated to be playing Chava this Summer. Anna will be attending NC State in the fall, studying abroad in Prague, Czech Republic. She’s an avid member of the Democratic Women of Ashe, along with many other political organizations. She wants to thank her family, friends, and her DWA family for all of their support on her ventures!
Khela Turnmire
Villager. Fiddler on the Roof will be the 3rd production Khela has been involved in at ACLT. She was in Little Shop of Horrors when she was 15. As an adult, Khela has been in Murder at Fences Mansion and was Mrs. Cratchit in A Christmas Carol. She has made so many new friends doing these plays. In her spare time, she paints, usually Native American portraits of all different kinds. She is a part time employee at United Chemi-Con in Lansing. Khela feels so blessed to be part of Ashe County Little Theatre.
Della Vodenicker
Co-Director. Della has been involved with ACLT since 2012. She enjoyed directing The Secret Garden-The Musical (ACLT 2018) and Fiddler on the Roof (Raleigh, NC 1997). She also loves being on the stage … most recently playing the role of Annie in Calendar Girls in 2019. Della is a retired educator and is actively involved with the Ashe County Arts Council. Della thanks this wonderful cast and production team for this challenging opportunity and to her husband Jere (50 years and counting) for his continued support.
Christina Wagoner
Villager. Christina is thrilled to be a part of this year’s musical alongside her daughter Phoebe. This is only her second theatrical appearance, debuting in the ACLT production of Matilda. It is an honor to perform! Christina wants to thank her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for all His blessings and is grateful to her family for their love and support.
Phoebe Wagoner
Hodel. P hoebe is a rising senior in high school. She is so excited to be performing in her second musical with the ACLT. In 2022, she performed as Miss Honey in the company’s production of Matilda. She would like to thank two of her band directors, Joshua Mitchell and Parker Dula, for feeding her curiosity and passion for music.
Jim Williams
Constable, has been a member of ACLT since 2009, performing, directing, and light design. He directed Ripcord, the first production of 2024. He was last seen on stage as Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. Jim lives in West Jefferson with his wife, Rebecca.
Rebecca Williams
Co-Director, has been onstage, directed and enjoys creating costumes. Her day job is the Program Director for the Ashe County Arts Council. Rebecca lives in West Jefferson with her husband, Jim.
Production Staff
Directors: Della Vodenicker & Rebecca Williams
Producer: Jan Kotula
Stage Manager: Oliva Cooper
Music Director: Marc Lumley
Orchestra Director: Parker Dula
Orchestra Coordinator: Mary Silver
Accompanist: Sylvia Zahner
Choreographer: Cynthia Harless
Costume Design: Rebecca WIlliams
Costume Crew: Olivia Cooper, Jill Gambill, Heidi Poe, Della Vodenicker, Rebecca Williams
Makeup Design: Charna Howson
Makeup Crew: Jocelyn Chatham, Jill Gambill, Cynthia Harless, Charna Howson, Edie Miller, Sophia Roten, Christina Wagoner
Sound Design and Tech: Richard Edmondson
Lighting Design: Baron Cooper, Jim Williams
Lighting Tech: Baron Cooper
Lighting Assistant: Vikki Cooper, Manny Kenn, Laren Rumph
Backstage Crew: Olivia Cooper, Geli Hogg, Hunter Hogg
Master Carpenter: Alex Katz, Brandon Kearly, Laurel Rumph
Set Construction: Jerry Brandt
Scenic Design Tech: Levi Blevins, Jerry Brandt
Props: Mike Kotula, Jim Williams Olivia Cooper, Mike Howell, Jan Kotula, Mike Kotula, Della Vodenicker Levi Blevins, Peggy and Jerry Brandt, Mike and Jan Kotula, Edie Miller, Della Vodenicker, Rebecca Williams
Poster/Program Design: Baron Cooper
Front of House: Josh Brown, Lauren Brown, Jody Cheek, Vikki Cooper, Debra Crews, Lynell Dodge, Melissa Fields, Cristy Henson, Jayme Inman, Jan Kotula, Ella Lawrence, Kristina Liezert, Vicki Lutz, Jack McGill, Molly Porter, Joni Ray, Laurie Wood, Della Vodenicker, Sharon Vodenicker
Publicity: Lauren Brown, Baron Cooper, Linda Dreyer, Melissa Edmondson, Jan Kotula, Edie Miller, Della Vodenicker, Rebecca Williams
