LMC Summer Theater Presents Fiddler "Fiddler on the Roof" continues Lees-McRae Summer Theatre's 20th anniversary of strong musical theatre traditions August 11 - 14, 16 and 17 at 7:30 pm with 2 pm matinees August 14 and 15 in Hayes Auditorium on Main Street in downtown Banner Elk. "Fiddler on the Roof" is the classic musical about hard-working families in a Russian peasant town at the turn of the 20th century. Their lives are filled with the simple joys of living as they are guided by their ability to handle adversity with gentle humor. Tevye's family lives as their forefathers did, observing the ways handed down and dictated by Jewish "tradition." He and his family discover that in a changing world old traditions must make way for new ideas. Paul and Diana Haas star as Tevye and Golde in Lees-McRae Summer Theatre's revival of "Fiddler on the Roof" August 11 - 17. "This is the fourth time I have directed 'Fiddler,' and I never tire of it," said Dr. Janet Barton Speer. "I find new messages in the play each time I direct it. What an amazing piece of musical theatre! It is my pleasure to direct it again with such a fine cast and crew. " The cast consists of professional actors, students and even community members. And, following the family feeling at Lees-McRae is the family participation of Paul, Diana and Melanie Haas. Paul and Diana, married in real life, play the lead roles of Tevye and Golde while their real life daughter, Melanie (recently seen in Blowing Rock Stage Company's Wait Until Dark) plays one of Tevye and Golde's younger daughters. Paul and Diana first appeared on the LMST stage in the production of Rags in 2001. Paul appears courtesy of Actor's Equity Association, the professional actors' union. All three Haases have been active members of Blue Ridge Community Theatre since The Unspeakable Molly Brown. "Fiddler on the Roof" is sponsored by the Joseph and Frieda Ross Foundation, Inc. This generous gift as in past years allows the Lees-McRae College Division of Performing Arts and Summer Theatre to cultivate their interest in Judaic studies and work, culminating in a cultural and educational performance experience. Tickets are now available on line at www.lmc.edu/lmcPerformingArts/welcome.htm. Tickets may also be purchased through the box office in the foyer of Hayes Auditorium, Monday through Friday from 1 pm to 5 pm until August 20. The box office phone number is (828) 898-8709. Lees-McRae is a four-year, co-educational liberal arts college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church U. S. A, located in the town of Banner Elk. The college is dedicated to service learning and offers majors in twenty-four fields.