Take a bow in ‘Fiddler’

If you were a rich man, would you spend your time trying new things like performing in a musical?

Now’s your chance to be in one of the world’s most beloved musical productions, “Fiddler on The Roof” directed by Jason Holland with musical direction by Milo Graamans. Auditions are at the Newport Performing Arts Center this Saturday, Nov. 11, at 1 pm, or next Sunday, Nov. 19, at 6 pm.

A co-production of the Red Octopus Theatre Company and the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts, “Fiddler on the Roof” is based on the world-famous stories of Sholem Aleichem and features a wealth of unforgettable musical numbers such as “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Tradition,” “Matchmaker,” “Sunrise, Sunset” and “Miracle of Miracles.” Touching audiences worldwide with its humor, warmth and honesty, this timeless story is the brainchild of Broadway legends Jerome Robbins and Harold Prince, songwriters Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick and book writer Joseph Stein.

While Holland, who serves as executive director for the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts, has helmed many productions over the years, Fiddler will mark his directing debut in Oregon. Music director and Red Octopus Board Member Graamans, on the other hand, has guided many local productions over the years. But this will be his first time collaborating with Holland.

“At this precise moment in history, ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ resonates with a timeless message,” Holland said, “It is a profound testament to the enduring power of tradition, family and, of course, love — a message we all need to hear now more than ever. It speaks to the power of the human heart, singing out a universal truth: in every era, in every storm, we still carry hope in our hearts."

A staple of the musical theater canon, “Fiddler” features roles both large and small and for kids and adults. Some actors may portray more than one role, and all actors will be asked to sing.

The production is scheduled to run April 12 through 28, 2024. Rehearsals begin in January. Hopefuls need only attend one of the two audition dates, and will be asked to sing 32 bars, or approximately 90 seconds, of a song of their choosing, or a song from the show. Callbacks will be held Monday, Nov. 20, at 6 pm. Holland and Graamans are willing to work around rehearsal conflicts, depending on their length or frequency and the role in question.

Volunteers are also needed for crew positions: set building, painting, sewing and stage crew. Those interested should email redoctopustheatre@gmail.com with a short description of their interest and experience.

For more information, including character breakdown, go to octopusonstage.com/auditions.