Arts & Entertainment

At the Long Beach Playhouse, one tradition is closing our Mainstage Season with a musical. This year we’re pleased to present the popular classic, Fiddler on the Roof” June 28 to August 3.

Set in 1905 Czarist Russia, it tells the story of Tevye, a humble dairy farmer and his quest to find suitable mates for his five daughters. Despite his efforts, the daughters are feeling the influences of a world beyond the village. The show first opened in 1964. The music is by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and book by Joseph Stein. It was nominated for ten Tony Awards and won nine. 

The producing artistic director for the Playhouse, Sean Gray, said, “I selected this show for several reasons. It’s a show that audiences love. It speaks to the need for community during trying times. And it resonates with the city’s large Jewish community.

“Gregory Cohen, the director, is Jewish and said he recognized Fiddler is not just a story of his people but is about standing against hate and recognizing the most effective tool for surviving is family, whether it’s the one in which we were born or the one we’ve created for ourselves.”

“It’s hard to think of a show with music more familiar than Fiddler on Roof,” said Playhouse Executive Director Madison Mooney. “That’s one of the perks of this job. I get to listen to people singing songs I love: “Sunrise, Sunset,” “Tradition,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” – who isn’t going to sing along?”

“Each song moves the story forward. We hear the daughters longing for a man to love, we hear Tevye’s pain in watching beloved traditions seemingly swept aside. There’s a reason the show has stayed popular so long!”

Director Cohen is thrilled, and honored, that this is the second time in a row that he is directing the season’s musical. Following the success of last year’s Addam’s Family, he is happy to engage the same team with Kysa Cohen as choreographer and Stephen Olear as the musical director. In his director’s notes, he tells the audience that by spending time in the village of Anatevka, they are now part of the Playhouse family and advises them bring the lessons from the show into their daily lives.

The actors, 25 in all, are a mix of LBP veterans and those for whom this is their first time treading the boards here at the Playhouse. Making their debuts are Rachel Girardet, Lily Layne, Bob Baumstein, Seth Weiner, Ben Applegate, Leena Fritz, Noah Raleigh, Charlie Massey, Alexis Chisholm and Haylee Karpman. Returning are Eric Schiffer, Lisa Meert, Cassie Angerosa-Korrie, Lorelei Dumas, Josie Magana, Grant Thackray, Adriano Brown, Karl Schott, Jack Murphy, Dora Sheade, Jennifer Harmon, Ethan Trejo, Lea Mano and Iggi El Kouati. 

This production of Fiddler on the Roof is partially sponsored by The Port of Long Beach.

Ticket Prices

Thursday and Friday: Adults are $25, Seniors $20 and Students $20.

Saturday and Sunday: Adults are $30, Seniors $25 and Students $20.

Tickets are available at www.lbplayhouse.org, or by calling (562) 494-1014, option 1.

Performances are 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. The box office is open Wednesday-Saturday, 3-8 pm and Sundays, 1-2 p.m. on scheduled matinees

Get ready for an unforgettable night of music, meaning and community spirit. Christian Outreach in Action (COA) invites you to a private showing of “Fiddler on the Roof” at the Long Beach Playhouse Mainstage Theatre – and it’s all for a great cause.

This isn’t just a night at the theater, it’s a fundraiser with heart on Thursday, July 10, with the performance beginning at 7:15 p.m. Join us beforehand for heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks and an exciting silent auction featuring unique items and experiences you won’t want to miss. Every ticket purchased and bid placed helps fund COA’s essential food bank and hot meal programs, feeding thousands in our community each month.

General seating is $55 and premier seating is $75. Seating is limited – reserve your spot today! Info: (562) 432-1440.

Musical Theatre West (MTW) is turning up the volume this summer with its next highly anticipated production, “Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story,” running select dates July 11-27, at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center. This electrifying musical isn’t just a show, it’s a full-blown concert experience, with actors performing every note live on stage as they bring Buddy Holly’s legendary music to life.

“This is not your typical musical. It’s a celebration of one of the greatest pioneers in rock ‘n’ roll, and audiences will feel like they’re at a Buddy Holly concert,” said Paul Garman, executive producer of Musical Theatre West. “With actors playing their own instruments live on stage, the energy is going to be unlike anything else. We’re thrilled to welcome fans of all ages to experience this electrifying tribute.”

Written by Alan Janes, “Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story” charts the rise of one of rock ‘n’ roll’s earliest icons, from his small-town Texas roots to becoming a cultural phenomenon. Featuring timeless hits like “Peggy Sue,” “That’ll Be the Day” and “Everyday,” this toe-tapping musical will have audiences dancing in their seats while gaining insight into the man behind the music.

MTW alumnus Will Riddle stars as Buddy Holly, returning to the stage after his acclaimed performance as Carl Perkins in “Million Dollar Quartet” in 2024. Known for his magnetic presence and rockin’ guitar prowess, Riddle promises to deliver a performance that honors Holly’s enduring legacy and explosive sound. Rated PG for mild adult themes, “The Buddy Holly Story” runs 2 hours and 20 minutes including intermission.

Tickets start at $20 and are available for purchase by phone at (562) 856-1999 or online at musical.org. Fees may apply. Student rush tickets for $15 are available at the box office one hour prior to showtime, with a valid student ID. More information, a full line-up of performances, and additional details can be found at https://musical.org.