Christian theater stages ‘Fiddler Jr.’ in Des Plaines

In the little village of Anatevka in Czarist Russia, Tevye, a poor dairyman, tries to instill in his five daughters the traditions of his tight-knit Jewish community in the face of changing social mores and growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia.

Christian Youth Theater brings that story to life once again in “Fiddler On The Roof Jr.,” opening Thursday, Feb. 10, in Des Plaines.

More than 90 suburban students ages 8-18 are featured in the musical. The show runs about two hours — shorter than the original, hence the “Jr.” — with one intermission. It is recommended for all ages.

Sarah Goldberg, 16, of Kildeer plays Golde, the practical wife of Tevye and the mother of five daughters.

“There’s such depth to her character, which makes it a welcoming challenge,” Goldberg said. “My favorite scene is the ‘Do You Love Me’ scene with Golde and Tevye in which they say to each other for the first time in 25 years, ‘I love you.’”

The show will run Feb. 10-20 at Des Plaines Prairie Lakes Theater. Call (847) 516-2298 for tickets.

Christian Youth Theater is a nonprofit, educational theater arts program for students ages 4-18 in the metropolitan area and has approximately 6,000 students per year.

Each geographic area offers summer camps and after-school classes in dance, voice, drama and theatrical specialties, and performs three musical productions per year.

CYT is nondiscriminatory and has an inclusion program, which assists students with special needs, as well as an after-school theater arts available to public or private schools.