ELY- The widely acclaimed musical, “Fiddler on the Roof,” which has captivated audiences for 60 years, is set to open in Ely beginning Thursday, March 14 at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater on the Vermilion campus of Minnesota North College. The NLAA-sponsored production runs through March 23.
As a cornerstone of the American musical canon, this timeless production promises an engaging experience for theater enthusiasts of all ages. “Fiddler on the Roof” intricately weaves a compelling narrative that resonates deeply, delving into themes of tradition, family, and resilience against the backdrop of a changing world. Its enduring message continues to touch hearts, evoking emotions that are both entertaining and spiritual.
Behind the curtain, an exceptional team of dedicated artists has poured their talent into bringing this production to life. Laurie Kess (Costumes), Karl Kubiak (Orchestral Direction), Karin Schmidt (Music Direction), and Ian Francis Lah (Direction and Design) form a cohesive production team deeply invested in creating a resonant performance. “From crafting costumes to delivering stirring musical performances, each member has invested months of hard work and creativity to ensure an immersive and unforgettable experience for our patrons,” said Lah, NLAA managing director.
The musical features an all-Range cast of 36 performers from Virginia to Ely. Aaron Reini plays the dairyman Tevye with too many daughters to marry off. Wendy Lindsay is Tevye’s beleaguered wife, Golde. Lindsay is the leading lady in the NLAA spring musical for a second year in a row, after her knock-out performance last year as Audrey in “Little Shop of Horrors.” Three of Lindsay’s daughters are also part of the cast. The pivotal supporting role of Yente the Matchmaker is played by Emily Weise, who recently performed in the NLAA fall production of “God of Carnage.”
“We are thrilled to invite the community to join us in the enchanting village of Anatevka for the next two weeks,” said Lah. “This production has been a labor of love, and we cannot wait to share it with you all.” Lah highlights the diverse ensemble cast, spanning generations and backgrounds from across the Iron Range, noting how their collective understanding of community enriches the performance. “This show is part story, part fable, reminding us of the importance of honoring tradition while embracing change. It’s a poignant reflection of our own communities, where navigating the balance between the two is a constant journey.”
Audiences can anticipate an unforgettable journey as they immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of “Fiddler on the Roof.”

Get your tickets soon
Tickets are selling fast for this production and the NLAA added an additional matinee performance on Saturday, March 16, to meet demand. Most shows are already more than half sold out and the March 17 matinee only had 17 seats left as of the Timberjay’s presstime for this week’s edition. For ticket information and showtimes, please visit https://www.northernlakesarts.org/tickets/fiddler-on-the-roof.
The NLAA is dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape of our community through the performing arts. Committed to excellence and innovation, the organization strives to engage, inspire, and entertain audiences of all ages.
NLAA extends its gratitude to local businesses, individual donors, and audience members for their unwavering support in ensuring the vitality of locally produced live, professional arts in northeast Minnesota.