Fiddler on the Roof
by Austin Opera
Feb. 05 - Feb. 08, 2026
Tevye, a poor milkman, lives with his wife Golde and their five spirited daughters in a small village. He dreams of a better life for his children—one filled with security and steeped in tradition. As each daughter follows her heart, Tevye’s unwavering faith is put to the test. As he converses with God, sharing his thoughts and inner conflicts, a larger threat looms over the village and their way of life. What unfolds is an enduring story of family, faith, and resilience.
Due to popular demand, the company is adding a fourth performance to its February production of one of the most celebrated musicals of all time to the Long Center, Fiddler on the Roof. Tickets for the added performance on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 7:30 pm go on sale this Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 10:00 am at www.austinopera.org or by calling Patron Services at 512-472-5992. Limited tickets also remain on sale for three previously announced performances on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 7:30 pm, Saturday,
The enduring story of faith, love, and resilience features an extraordinary cast of nationally renowned artists and local favorites. “We are excited to bring the first new large-scale production of this work premiered in the U.S. in decades to Austin audiences, and we’re thrilled that interest has been so strong that we’re adding this fourth performance,” said Annie Burridge, General Director & CEO. Of Austin Opera.
Demand for tickets to the company premiere of the musical has been strong as it continues to garner positive reviews and honors. The co-production of Fiddler on the Roof, which debuted in July at Cincinnati Opera, has been nominated for a 2025 International Opera Award for Best Musical. Winners will be announced on November 13, in a gala ceremony hosted by Greek National Opera.
Declared a “Must see” by the Austin American-Statesman in the Fall Arts Preview, Fiddler on the Roof is one of the most celebrated musicals of all time, winning nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical. With music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and book by Joseph Stein, it features the iconic songs “Matchmaker,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Miracle of Miracles,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” and more. These unforgettable performances will have audiences singing right out of the theater.
This new co-production debuted in July at Cincinnati Opera, where it was called “like dessert after a feast” by the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Nominated for a Tony Award in 2024 for his current role in Cabaret on Broadway, Steven Skybell brings his celebrated role as Tevye to Austin. Grammy-winning soprano Mela Dailey, who wowed Austin audiences as Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, returns as Tevye’s wife Golde. Their three eldest daughters are Sharon Robinson (Tzeitel), Rachel Blaustein (Hodel), and Audrey Ballish (Chava). Tzeitel longs to marry Motel, played by Ryan Everett Wood, but has been promised to the wealthy Butcher Lazar Wolf, played by beloved Austinite, journalist, and music critic, Robert Faires. Timothy Myers leads the Austin Opera Orchestra & Chorus.
Fiddler on the Roof is directed by Emmy Award nominee Crystal Manich with choreography by Michael Pappalardo. The creative team includes scenic design by Andrew Boyce and costume design by Chad Phillips. Rabbi Neil Blumofe, of Congregation Agudas Achim, joins the production team as Cultural Consultant. Adam Roberts serves as Music Consultant.
Fiddler on the Roof is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Fiddler on the Roof
by Bock, Harnick and Stein
Austin Opera
February 5 - 8, 2025
Thursday - Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m.
Dell Hall, Long Center, Austin
