Rich in historical and ethnic detail, “Fiddler on the Roof” has touched audiences around the world with its humor, warmth and honesty. Its universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy and sadness.

The Skaneateles Summer Theatre opens this year's production of “Fiddler on the Roof” tonight.

The story takes place in the little village of Anatevka where Tevye, a poor dairy man, and his wife try to instill in their five daughters the traditions of his tight-knit Jewish community in the face of changing social morals and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia.

Bob Frame, longtime theater instructor at Cayuga Community College plays Tevye with area veteran Mary Jo Clary as his strong-willed wife, Golde. Kayla King plays Tzeitel, Tevye's eldest daughter, with Natalie King as Hodel and Rachel Mulcahy, Kate Ellen Dean and Chloe Warner as the younger daughters, Chava, Sprintze and Bielke.

Kathleen Markley plays Yenta, the meddling matchmaker, and Mark Reese plays Motel, the young tailor who wants to marry Tzeitel. Kevin Shumway plays Lazar Wolf, the rich butcher who also wants to marry her. Steve Bellamy plays Perchik, the radical college student who falls in love with Hodel, and Steve Condie plays Mordcha, the inn keeper.

If you go

What: “Fiddler on the Roof”

When: 8 p.m. tonight, Friday and

Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday

Where: Skaneateles High School

auditorium

Cost: $12, $10 for students and seniors

For details: Call 685-8657