'Fiddler' with heart

Community theater has always packed a punch in the lives of its participants and audiences. It has served as a creative outlet for performers and an inexpensive cultural treat for spectators.

Just over 13 years ago, Donica Luzwick and her sister, Chris Seminaro, found another purpose to community theater when they formed Helping Others Through Theatre.

"The reason we did this was to help other people by giving the proceeds we raise to groups in need," said Luzwick of Hanover Park, a dance and music movement specialist.

Although the organization has been approached by other causes, up until the last year they focused on the Even Start Literacy Program.

"Even Start is a family literacy program that targets at-risk families in Schaumburg and Palatine," said Seminaro, of Schaumburg, an administrator for District 54. "It provides adult education opportunities to parents and children."

However, this year the group will be donating to Prevention Initiative, which is a state block grant program and provides similar services. Their donations are very noteworthy. To date, the group has contributed $90,000 to Even Start. That's not bad for a troop of volunteers, including Luzwick's husband, David.

"My sister, myself, and a friend do the musical direction," said Luzwick. "My mom and a friend help with the production."

In fact, for their first production, "42nd Street," they even volunteered their money. Seminaro took a big leap of faith and put about $3,000 on her credit card to front the production.

"I was a teacher at that point and it's not like money was no object," Seminaro said. "But I believed in what we were doing."

That belief has been realized repeatedly leading to their current production, "Fiddler on the Roof." The well-known and cherished 1960s musical centers around a Jewish family living in czarist Russia facing a life of challenges to their traditions.

"We always try to balance plays with creativity with those that have public appeal," said Seminaro. "But with our intention to donate to literacy programs, the old standards are good to bring in more people."

You won't find many surprises in Helping Others Through Theatre's version of "Fiddler." However, the production does carry some symbolism and Tevye will be in more scenes than the audience might anticipate.

In addition to doing their part to help literacy, the group is also doing their part to help the planet by recycling stage sets and costumes.

The cast of 60, running in ages from 2 to 65 years old, are also all volunteers. Many are repeat performers from other shows who believe in giving back.

"These volunteers allow us to pay the bills and then donate the rest," said Luzwick. "It's amazing how much they care and help. It's almost like a ministry."

The character of Tevye is played by Carl Vachlin of Roselle. Debbie Redding of Hoffman Estates portrays Golde.

"Carl brings depth and emotion to the character which provokes him to come to life on stage," said Seminaro. "Debbie brings softness, yet strength to Golde so we know she is the woman behind Tevye."

If you go

Who: Helping Others Through Theatre (H.O.T.T.)

What: Fiddler on the Roof

When: 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday; also, 8 p.m. Nov. 9-10

Where: Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg

Cost: $20 adults, $18 seniors & children 17 and younger

Call: (847) 895-2828 or visit hottproductions.googlepages.com