Signature Theatre Brings Beloved Classic Fiddler on the Roof to Arlington Stage

One of musical theatre's most enduring masterpieces is making its way to Northern Virginia this fall. Signature Theatre will present a new production of "Fiddler on the Roof" running from November 4, 2025 through January 25, 2026 at the company's MAX Theatre, located at 4200 Campbell Avenue in Arlington, Virginia.

Fiddler on the Roof at Signature Theatre

The production features a book by Joseph Stein, known for his work on "Zorba" and "The Baker's Wife," with music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, the celebrated duo behind "She Loves Me" and "Fiorello!" Based on the stories by Sholem Aleichem, this staging will be helmed by director Joe Calarco, who previously directed Signature's productions of "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Gypsy." Leading the cast as Tevye is Douglas Sills, recognized for his work on HBO's "The Gilded Age" and his Tony-nominated performance in Broadway's "The Scarlet Pimpernel." The production also features choreography by Sarah Parker, who worked on Broadway's "The WHO'S Tommy" and "Camelot," with music direction by Jon Kalbfleisch, who has led Signature's productions of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" and "Ragtime."

"Fiddler on the Roof has touched generations of families around the world for more than 60 years," said Signature Artistic Director Matthew Gardiner. "It's a timeless story about love, family, and the pull between tradition and progress. To me, it's one of the greatest musicals ever written. In our history of reimagining the classic American musical, it took us some time to come around to Fiddler, but it always felt inevitable. These shows have a way of finding us when they're meant to. I can't wait for audiences to rediscover this great American musical through a fresh, deeply felt new staging by the wonderful Joe Calarco in Signature's MAX Theatre."

Since its Broadway premiere in 1964, "Fiddler on the Roof" has become one of the most frequently produced musicals in theatrical history. The show tells the story of Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman living in the small village of Anatevka in Czarist Russia at the turn of the twentieth century. As Tevye struggles to maintain his family's religious and cultural traditions, he must navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world, including the growing threat of anti-Semitism and his three eldest daughters' desires to marry for love rather than following the traditional practice of arranged marriages.

The musical's score has become iconic in American theatre, featuring songs that have transcended the stage to become part of the cultural lexicon. "If I Were a Rich Man," Tevye's wistful fantasy about wealth, showcases the character's humor and humanity. "Matchmaker, Matchmaker" captures the daughters' conflicting feelings about tradition and romantic autonomy. Perhaps most memorably, "Sunrise, Sunset" serves as a poignant meditation on the passage of time and the bittersweet nature of watching children grow up. These songs, combined with the show's exquisite dance sequences, create a theatrical experience that balances humor and heartbreak while exploring universal themes of family, faith, and identity.

What makes "Fiddler on the Roof" particularly resonant is its exploration of the tension between honoring tradition and adapting to change. Tevye's frequent conversations with God, his attempts to reconcile his devotion to tradition with his love for his daughters, and the community's struggle to maintain their way of life in the face of persecution all speak to experiences that remain relevant across cultures and generations. The show's ultimate message about resilience, community, and the importance of holding onto one's identity even in the face of displacement has only grown more powerful over the decades.

Signature Theatre's production promises to bring fresh perspective to this classic work by staging it in the intimate setting of the MAX Theatre. This approach allows audiences to experience the story's emotional depth in a more personal way, bringing them closer to the characters and their struggles.

Joining Sills in the cast are Amie Bermowitz as Golde, Tevye's pragmatic wife, and a talented ensemble including Christopher Bloch as Rabbi, Lily Burka as Hodel, Sarah Corey as Shaindel and Fruma-Sarah, Joseph Fierberg as Mordcha, Mia Goodman as Shprintze, Jake Loewenthal as Motel, Allison Mintz as Bielke, Stephen Russell Murray as Mendel, Rosie Jo Neddy as Chava, Ariel Neydavoud as Perchik, Beatrice Owens as Tzeitel, Reagan Pender as Avram, Jeremy Radin as Lazar Wolf, Susan Rome as Yente and Grandma Tzeitel, Alex Stone as Fyedka, Hank von Kolnitz as Sasha, and Davis Wood as Constable. The production's understudies include Audrey Baker, John Gurdían, Stephen C. Kallas, and Kayla Marks.

With its combination of powerful storytelling, unforgettable music, and deeply human characters, "Fiddler on the Roof" at Signature Theatre offers Washington DC area audiences the opportunity to experience one of musical theatre's greatest achievements in a new and intimate staging. Whether discovering the show for the first time or revisiting a beloved favorite, theatregoers can expect an evening filled with laughter, tears, and the timeless magic that has made this musical a cornerstone of American theatre for over six decades.