CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman, that quaint but growing German colony in north Alabama, will take on a little more international flavor in the next few weeks. A little Hebrew and Yiddish, like “l’chaim” (a toast meaning “to life!”), “mazel tov” (a congratulatory exclamation of “good luck”) and “oy vey” (an expression of dismay) will help you navigate the streets of the fictional Jewish enclave Anatevka in late imperial Russia as Cullman Community Theatre presents “Fiddler on the Roof” at Cullman High School on Aug. 15, 16, 21 and 23, 2025.
“Fiddler” is a classic Broadway musical about a Jewish milkman and his family as they balance tradition and change in the face of growing Russian antisemitism. Tevye the milkman and father of five, struggles with his daughters’ challenges to cultural traditions. The story explores themes of family, faith and cultural identity in a time of great social upheaval, and is known for songs like “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” and “Sunrise, Sunset.”
Show Director Kristy McCrickard told The Tribune, “I have directed ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ twice in my career already, and I have to say it is still one of my favorite shows to direct. Here’s why: it tells one of the most compelling and important stories of love and life in the midst of danger and change; it has wonderful, memorable music; and it is funny, charming and inspiring!
“Telling this story with this cast here in Cullman has been a wonderful experience! I was born and raised in Cullman, but there were not a lot of theater opportunities at the time. Most of my experience has been in Atlanta and Minneapolis. I am thrilled to be back in my hometown doing what I love with people I love, and I am so happy to see that theater is alive and well here! Cullman and the surrounding area is full of extremely talented people who have a lot of heart, imagination and giftedness. I get to work with a lot of them in this cast and crew, and it is such a joy! Our production team has been working and planning since February! This cast has been rehearsing all summer! We can’t wait to share this story with our audiences.”
If the matching of name and director’s title seem unusual, it’s because Cullman High School Theatre’s Wayne Cook is typically at the helm. He’s still around this time, but out of the director’s chair and onto center stage as Tevye.
Cook said, “It has been so fun to play the part of Tevye in this production, and has been so good for me to return to the performance side of theater. It gives me renewed understanding for those who are on the stage and in the spotlight. This cast and directing team is wonderful and they have been a joy to work with through this entire process.”
Cook reflected, “Cullman has so much talent, and when I think about where we have come through the years with Community Theatre and promoting fine arts in our town, I am very proud of the accomplishments we have made. We are not done, but it has been such an honorable and successful journey.”
Cast and crew
Characters
- Tevye, the milkman – Wayne Cook
- Golde, his wife – Shellie Vines
- Tzeitel, his daughter – Lauren Priess
- Hodel, his daughter – Anna Armstrong
- Chave, his daughter – Morgan Montgomery
- Shprintze, his daughter – Anne Lunsford
- Bielke, his daughter – Lorelai Johnston
- Motel, the tailor – Grant Holland
- Perchik, the student – Cannon Trimble
- Lazar Wolf, the butcher – Joe Carter
- Mordcha, the innkeeper – Russell Lundy
- Rabbi – Jeff Warnke
- Mendel, his son – Zach McCabe and Noah Casey
- Avram, the bookseller – Paul Miller
- Nachum, the beggar – Bob Clark
- Grandma Tzeitel – Kim Trellis
- Fruma-Sarah – Savannah Seay
- Constable – Mark Preiss
- Fyedka, the Russian – Brenden Preiss
- Shaindel, Motel’s mother – Karen Smith
- Sasha, Fyedka’s friend – James Bell
- Boris, Fyedka’s friend – Clark Johnson
- The fiddlers – Bre Turner, Alexia Park
- Other Russians – Titus Lundy, Graham Wright
The villagers
Jewish sons and papas: Abe Warren, Apollas Lundy, Mathias Lundy, Keegan Montgomery, DJ Ervin, Brian Benfield
Jewish mamas: Angel Mernatti, Allie David, Becca Caleau, Deborah Lundy, Dee Brunetti, Linda Johnson, Lisa Buchannan, Luette Benefield, Meg Glover, Morgan Montgomery, Sarah Glover, Susan Cofer, Vickie Hicks
Production team
- Director and fight choreographer – Kristy McCrickard
- Assistant director and musical director – Rodney Basenburg
- Assistant musical director – Debbie Johnston
- Technical director and set design – Levi Strickland
- Choreographer and public relations – Madalyn Jordan
- Stage manager and costumes – Laura Harris
- Lighting designer and technician – Aaron Johnston
- Sound technician – Chris Van Dyke
- Stage crew – Molly Kilpatrick and Elisabeth DeCicco
- Fight captain – Paul Miller
- Dance captain – Bre Turner
Cullman Community Theatre committee members
Rodney Basenburg, chairman; Kristy McCrickard, co-chairman; Bre Turner, secretary; Kim Trellis, treasurer; Madalyn Jordan, public relations; Jamie Kirk, park and rec liaison; other members: Paige Clabo, Linda Foley, Laura Harris, Aaron Johnston and Levi Strickland
At a glance
Cullman Community Theatre presents “Fiddler on the Roof”
Aug. 15, 16, 21, 23, 2025, at Cullman High School
7 p.m. shows all days; 2 p.m. matinees Aug. 16 and 23
Tickets available online at CullmanCoTheatre.ludus.com
