Theater / Movies
Date: 01/10/2010 Fiddler Production To Benefit Egyptian Theatre
by Press Release
In the current economic climate, we’re all tempted to sing “If I Were A Rich Man” alongside Tevye, the poor milkman who is the lead character in Annex Theatre Company’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof.” The production opens next Friday, Jan. 15 and runs through Sunday, Jan. 17 at the historic Egyptian Theatre in downtown DeKalb.
Yet getting rich is not the goal of Annex. In fact, the production of Fiddler is seen by the group as a fundraiser for the Egyptian, which serves as the theatre company’s adopted home.
“Annex, and our sister group Dreamers, are the only community theatre groups in town who did live theatre at the Egyptian last year,” says Dan Coran, vice president of the non-profit group. “It was our pleasure to make those offerings available.”
All proceeds from ticket sales for Fiddler will go to the Egyptian, Coran points out.
“The Egyptian is a unique treasure for our community. It’s a perfect venue for hosting live theatre, and we love being in it.”
“We need to support the Egyptian by doing productions there, and as a community attending those shows. There are less expensive venues in which to do productions, but that is not our primary aim.”
Coran says that the groups have two key purposes: to provide quality acting opportunities for area youth, and to support the Egyptian. The groups put every dollar toward those ends.
“Although we’re only in it during performances, we consider the Egyptian to be our home,” Coran explains.
Annex and Dreamers try to produce at least three major musicals in the Egyptian each year. As cash flow and scheduling permits, they try to do more.
“I remember the first time my kids saw live theatre at the Egyptian,” Coran says. “It was magical. We just want to make sure families today in our community continue to have that experience—the feeling of watching an exciting production, or getting up on stage yourself under the big lights.”
Coran notes that the current production of Fiddler features some of the top high school and college talent from the DeKalb-Sycamore area. “Every play we try to get the best kids involved, so as to make it the best experience for everyone. We teach them singing, dancing, and acting skills, and I think it really comes out in the performances.”
Dreamers Theatre Group was started over 20 years ago by Dee Heuer, a long-time theatre enthusiast and educator in DeKalb. After Dee died of cancer four years ago, Gavin Wilson, a local performer, and some other parents involved with the group decided to keep the organization going.
In Spring 2008, some of the older kids in Dreamers put on a production of The Diary of Anne Frank. This subgroup of high school and college students led to the founding of Annex. The group went on to produce My Fair Lady, Little Women-The Broadway Musical, and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, all at the Egyptian.
“It’s a lot of time and work as far as rehearsals, set-building, and music practice goes, but it’s worth every minute,” Coran says. “Seeing the kids having such a great time and doing a great job is a fantastic reward.”
“Keeping the Egyptian open and in good shape takes a lot of money,” Coran explains. “Without the continuing support of our community, it wouldn’t make it. We’re just trying to do our part and make a contribution.”
Performances of Fiddler on the Roof are 7:30 Friday and Saturday, Jan. 15 and 16, and 2:00 Sunday, Jan. 17. Tickets are $8 for children under 12 and students, and $12 for adults. They are available at the Egyptian box office or by visiting www.egyptiantheatre.org.
