Skylight Music Theatre Announces Cast and Creative Team for Fiddler on the Roof

MILWAUKEE, WI (August 29, 2025) – Skylight Music Theatre proudly announces the cast and the creative team behind the award-winning classic Fiddler on the Roof, which returns to the Cabot stage from October 3-26, 2025.

Set in a small village in the Pale of Settlement of Imperial Russia at the dawn of the 20^th century, Fiddler on the Roof follows Tevye, a humble milkman, as he struggles to uphold his Jewish traditions in a rapidly changing world. This timeless story of faith, family, and persistence will be enriched through a meaningful and powerful partnership with Violins of Hope - Wisconsin, presented by Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra. Two violins featured in the production were rescued from the Holocaust, bearing witness to the universal themes of loss and perseverance.

Star Power Meets Unmissable Skylight Debuts

Broadway veteran and Milwaukee favorite Andrew Varela steps into the iconic role of Tevye. Audiences may remember Varela from his recent Skylight performance as Cal in Waitress, as well as his standout roles in Candide, Sweeney Todd, and Evita. Additional Broadway credits, including Les Misérables and Little Women: The Musical, bring star power and heartfelt depth to this beloved character.

Powerhouse Broadway performer Janet Metz returns to the Cabot stage as Golde, having recently performed as Mother Superior in Sister Act and previously in Dennis DeYoung’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and The Full Monty. On Broadway, Metz appeared in Once Upon A Mattress, On the Town, Marie Christine, and Fiddler on the Roof. Well-known for starring as the Narrator opposite Donny Osmond in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Janet is thrilled to return to the role of Golde, which she last played in eighth grade.

“I love to direct shows that are as meaningful as Fiddler, and I especially love directing my wife, Janet Metz, in this case as Golde. The added joy of directing our Executive Director’s husband, Andrew Varela as well, taking on the role of Tevye, truly makes this a delightful, mixed doubles, family affair onstage and off, said Artistic Director, Michael Unger. “I think it is extremely rare to have performers of this caliber and experience married to ‘Partners in Art' who run a theatre such as Skylight. We all benefit from these theatrical powerhouses who will bring such breadth of heart, humor, and soul to this production. The entire cast will also contribute to elevating this iconic musical with the passion and authenticity they will bring to the stage. It is a further honor to have two instruments from Violins of Hope – Wisconsin in the show as a testament to the power of music, and the resilience of the human spirit.”

Familiar talent returns to the Cabot stage, including Sara Stern as Yente (Candide), Chad Larget as Lazar Wolf (School of Rock), Amanda Satchell as Grandma Tzeitel/Shaindel (Sister Act), Jackey Boelkow as Fruma-Sarah (Waitress), and SaraLynn Evenson as Ensemble (Frankenstein: The Musical). Collectively, they bring credits and artistry ranging from classic to contemporary works. Making their Skylight debuts are Joseph Green as Constable/Ensemble and Thom Cauley as Avram/Ensemble.

Violinist Kimberly Hanson debuts as the Fiddler, this musical being the first to inspire her love of violin. Hanson brings her talents to a production uniquely tied to Violins of Hope, and has performed with MYSO, the Racine Symphony Orchestra, and the acclaimed folk band The WhiskeyBelles.

The cast also features a first-time collaboration with Marquette University performers making their Skylight (and many professional) debuts as Tevye’s eldest daughters: Erin Fricker as Tzeitel, Kynkade McLachlan as Hodel, and Naomi Kriege as Chava. Joining them are their three suitors: Grayson Buesing as Motel, Ben Shields as Perchik, and Michael Mingus as Fyedka. The Marquette ensemble includes Emmelin

e Buesing, Audrey Ellis, Mia Mannella, Nate Rodriguez, Kendall Syslack, and Joshua Zientara, all additionally making their Skylight debuts.

“Marquette Theatre Arts is thrilled to be collaborating with Skylight Music Theatre on Fiddler on the Roof,” said Jamie Cheatham, Artistic Director of Marquette Theatre. “This is the kind of experience our students will grow from and remember as a standout moment in their college careers.  Helping our students make these great professional connections is also a great opportunity for them.  Many thanks to Skylight for welcoming us into their work.”

Allyson Lindberg as Shprintze and Alice Nguyen as Bielke portray Tevye’s youngest daughters, both making their Skylight Music Theatre debuts, with previous credits at First Stage. They are joined by Rohan Rhys, who was recently seen as Milo in the World Premiere of Milo Imagines the World at Chicago Children’s Theatre, and Mars Schultz, last seen in Frankenstein: The Musical at Skylight, as their young suitors.

From Vision to Stage: The Team Bringing Fiddler on the Roof to Life

The production will be directed by Skylight Artistic Director, Michael Unger, marking the 10^th show Unger has directed on the Cabot stage, including Frankenstein: The Musical, Spring Awakening, Oliver!, School of Rock, and Dennis DeYoung’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, among several others.

Music Director is David Bonofiglio, continuing the well-established creative partnership between Unger and Bonofiglio, having collaborated in numerous Skylight shows such as Juliet and Romeo, Oliver!, Little Shop of Horrors, and School of Rock.  

Acclaimed dancer, writer, choreographer, actor and Artistic Director of Mystical Feet Company, Yehuda L. Hyman, will choreograph. Hyman performed on Broadway, choreographed for leading regional theaters, and received national recognition, including awards from the Kennedy Center and National Endowment for the Arts. He holds an MFA in Dance from Sarah Lawrence College, teaches at the Manhattan School of Music, and is celebrated for creating interdisciplinary works rooted in Jewish history, culture, and movement.

Fiddler on the Roof Tickets on Sale Now

Tickets are on sale now, along with subscriptions, and can be purchased through Skylight Music Theatre’s website, smtmke.org, or by calling the box office at (414) 291-7800. 

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Performance Details:

• Title: Fiddler on the Roof

• Dates: Oct. 3-26, 2025

• Location: Skylight Music Theatre | 158 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202

• Tickets and Information: www.skylightmusictheatre.org

Cast:

Tevye — Andrew Varela*

Golde — Janet Metz*

Tzeitel — Erin Fricker

Hodel — Kynkade McLachlan

Chava — Naomi Kriege

Shprintze — Allyson Lindberg

Bielke — Alice Nguyen

 Motel — Grayson Buesing

Perchik — Ben Shields 

Fyedka — Michael Mingus

Yente — Sara Stern

Lazar Wolf — Chad Larget

Rabbi — John Schneider

Grandma Tzeitel/Rivka — Amanda Satchell

Fruma-Sarah/Yehudit — Jackey Boelkow

Shaindel — SaraLynn Evenson

Constable/Yitzhak — Joseph Green

Mordcha — Thom Cauley

The Fiddler/Yael — Kimberly Hanson 

Mendel — Joshua Zientara

Avram/Sasha — Peter Neugent

Kinor — Emmeline Buesing

Davida — Kendall Syslack

Mirala — Audrey Ellis

Peshka — Mia Mannella

Fayge — Brianna Brincks

Yakira/Natan — Shannon Burke

Nachum/Yussel — Nate Rodriguez

Kinor/Simon — Alyssa Tyson

Amnon — Rohan Rhys Degala

Avshalom — Mars Schultz

Creative Team

Director — Michael Unger *** 

Choreographer — Yehuda L. Hyman*** 

Music Director — David Bonofiglio

Scenic Designer — Jonathan Berg-Einhorn

Costume Designer — Michelle Therese Grimm 

Lighting Designer — Smooch Medina

Sound Designer — John Tanner

Production Stage Manager — Emily Wright*

Assistant Stage Manager — Malaina Moore

Bottle Dance Consultant — Ali Molaei

Intimacy/Fight Director — Marcee Doherty

*Appearing through an agreement between Skylight Music Theatre and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

*** The Director and Choreographer are members of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, an independent national labor union.

*Appearing through an agreement between Skylight Music Theatre and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

*** The Director and Choreographer are members of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, an independent national labor union.

Biographies

Andrew Varela* (Tevye) Broadway/National Tours-Les Misérables (Jean Valjean, Javert) Phantom of the Opera (The Phantom), Little Women (Prof Bhaer), Roundabout's Sunday in the Park with George (Jules); South Pacific in concert at Carnegie Hall. Skylight credits include Waitress (Cal), Candide (Pangloss), Evita (Peron), Sweeney Todd (Sweeney), Les Misérables (Javert), Wizard of Oz (Lion), The Pirates of Penzance (Pirate King), Annie (Warbucks) and Kiss Me Kate (Fred). Other Milwaukee theatres include MKE Rep, First Stage, Florentine Opera, In Tandem, and Optimist Theatre. Film/TV- NBC's Chicago Justice, Chicago Fire, Showtime's The Chi, and numerous commercials.

Janet Metz* (Golde) Broadway: Once Upon A Mattress, Marie Christine, On the Town, Fiddler on the Roof; Off-Broadway: Bingo (Drama League nomination), Falsettoland, I Love You, You're Perfect…, Big, Lucky Stiff, Stars of David, Hurrah at Last, I Love NY (Bistro Award). Tours: Joseph… (Narrator opposite Donny Osmond - platinum recording), The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Stop the World…, Music of the Night, Fame. Regional: Harmony (Drama-Logue Award), The Spitfire Grill, Casino Paradise, The Rink, Mack and Mabel, Funny Girl, Sunday in the Park..., A Christmas Carol. At Skylight: Sister Act, Full Monty, Hunchback.., An Evening with Sir Tim Rice. Twelve original cast recordings. 

Jackey Boelkow (Fruma-Sarah) Select credits include Alison in Beehive and Offstage Swing in Titanic at Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Patty in School of Rock, Jenna's Mother in Waitress, Ensemble/Romani Cultural Consultant in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Molly/Dolores/Vicki u/s in The Full Monty at Skylight Music Theatre, Elizabeth in Laundry and Bourbon at Next Act Theatre, and Bossanova in Elixir and Vocalist in Tribute: The Mamas and The Papas.

Thom Cauley (Avram/Ensemble) is beyond excited for his Skylight debut! Recent theatre credits; Tin Man in Wizard of Oz (Bombshell Theatre) U/S Dr Craven in Secret Garden (Forte), Greg in Cruel Intentions the musical (Outskirts) and many more over many years. He's also a choreographer, songwriter, and writes his own shows like The Spectrum revisited, an educational Cabaret on autism. 

SaraLynn Evenson (Ensemble) happily returns after Frankenstein, Full Monty, Zombies..., School of Rock and more at Skylight. Other recent credits include First Stage: Arthur and Friends…, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Music Theatre Madison: Hephaestus, and appearances with Sacra Nova Chorale, Musical MainStage and SideNotes Cabaret. National Tour: A Christmas Carol, NYC: Urinetown, Dark Passenger, Weathervane Playhouse: Into the Woods, Secret Garden, Sweet Charity, Chicago. 

Joseph Green (Constable/Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his Skylight debut! Recent credits: Kiss Me, Kate, MacBeth, and Twelfth Night with the Texas Shakespeare Festival, It's a Wonderful Life with Capital City Theatre, and Merry Wives of Windsor, Our Town, Romeo and Juliet, and Stones in his Pockets with American Players Theatre. Recent Directing credits include A Case for the Existence of God with Forward Theatre and Anton's Shorts with

American Players Theatre.

Kimberly Hanson (The Fiddler) is having a full-circle moment making her Skylight debut! A powerhouse vocalist and fiddler with the beloved trio, The WhiskeyBelles, her passion for violin began at age 10 when she played Shprintze in a high school production. Since then, she has performed with MYSO, the Racine Symphony and various local bands.  Career highlights include opening for Charlie Daniels, rocking with the Violent Femmes and belting the national anthem at Lambeau.

Chad Larget (Lazar Wolf) has been in numerous Skylight productions dating back to his 1994 debut, Most Happy Fella. Recent Skylight appearances include To Catch a Thief, School of Rock, Dennis DeYoung’s Hunchback of Notre Dame, Oklahoma!, and Fortunate Sons. Chad made his Broadway debut in the 1997 revival of Candide (Candie u/s) directed by Harold Prince. He has performed with Lyric Opera of Chicago, Florentine Opera, Milwaukee Symphony, Fireside Dinner Theatre, Boulevard Theatre, and Sunset Playhouse. 

Amanda Satchell (Grandma Tzeitel/Shaindel): previous Skylight roles include Sister Mary Patrick in Sister Act, soloist in An Evening With Sir Tim Rice, Rosie in Mamma Mia, Bourgeoisie in Dennis DeYoung’s Hunchback, and Claire in Fortunate Sons. Recent performances as Teagarden in a staged reading of Lily and the Pirates at First Stage, DeeDee in The Prom at Bombshell, Meredith in Batboy at Outskirts. Educator and a graduate of the University of Michigan's Musical Theatre program.

John Schneider (Rabbi) is an arts journalist for the Shepherd Express and MKE Lifestyle, and a parttime instructor in Marquette University’s theatre program. He was a founding member of Milwaukee’s internationally acclaimed Theatre X, serving a leadership role as actor, director, playwright, and spokesperson. He created the longstanding John Schneider Orchestra, a popular jazz cabaret band. He was the first recipient of Milwaukee’s annual Award of Excellence for contributions to the artistic life of the city.

Sara Stern (Yente) a Chicago-based singer and actress, is thrilled to be back at Skylight, where she last appeared as the Old Woman in Candide (2023). She recently played Yente in Fiddler on the Roof with Music Theater Works, adding to earlier turns in Ragtime, Into the Woods, and The Merry Widow, among others. Other credits include colorful characters with The Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company, Porchlight, Chamber Opera Chicago, The New Colony, and the American Girls Revue.

Marquette University Biographies 

Grayson Buesing (Motel) is a Marquette junior from Mequon, Wisconsin, studying Theatre Arts and Digital Media. His recent theatre credits include Zebulun in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Sunset Playhouse, as well as Daddy Murphy in Bright Star, Don Pedro in Much Ado About Nothing, and Marcus in the world premiere of In the Cities of Refuge at Marquette University. 

Erin Fricker (Tzeitel) is a senior Digital Media and Theatre Arts major, and Dance minor from Brookfield, WI and is thrilled to be making her Skylight debut! She was most recently seen on the Marquette stage as Alice Murphy in Bright Star, Maryjo Kincaid in A Piece of My Heart, and on stages across WI as a Singer/Dancer for 3 seasons with the Kids From Wisconsin.

Naomi Kriege (Chava) is thrilled to make her Skylight debut in Fiddler! She is a Marquette senior from Kansas City, MO, majoring in theatre and minoring in dance. Some of her recent credits include working as a swing (Love’s Labour’s Lost) with Summit Players Theatre, and Margo Crawford (Bright Star) and Hero (Much Ado About Nothing) at Marquette. She has played both fiddle and classical violin for 17 years. 

Kynkade McLachlan (Hodel) a senior from Austin, Texas, is a Theatre Arts major and a minor in Gender and Sexualities at Marquette University. Her recent roles include Lucy (Bright Star), Beatrice (Much Ado About Nothing), and Johanna (Sweeney Todd), with appearances in All in the Timing and A Piece of My Heart at Marquette.

Michael Mingus (Fyedka) hails from New Albany, Indiana. He is a senior Theatre Arts major at Marquette with a minor in corporate communications. Notable roles at Marquette Theatre include Mayor Dobbs in Bright Star, Man in A Piece of My Heart, Richard in In the Cities of Refuge, and the titular role in Sweeney Todd. He also served as costume designer for All in the Timing.

Ben Shields (Perchik) is beyond excited about making his professional theater debut in Fiddler on the Roof! He recently played the male swing for Much Ado About Nothing at Marquette University, Swift in All in the Timing at Marquette University, and Silvio in The Servant of Two Masters, also at Marquette University.

Emmeline Buesing (Ensemble) is a Freshman at Marquette from Mequon, Wisconsin, studying Theatre Arts and Elementary Education. Her most recent production includes Mrs. Potiphar in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Sunset Playhouse. Homestead Highschool: Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Pirate King in The Pirates of Penzance, and Elizabeth Proctor in The Crucible.

Audrey Ellis (Ensemble) is a sophomore majoring in Psychology at Marquette University and is thrilled to be making her debut at Skylight Music Theatre! Her favorite theatrical credits include Rizzo in Grease at Marquette University High School, Trunchbull in Matilda and Maleficent in Descendants at Divine Savior Holy Angels. She recently appeared in the Marquette production of Bright Star as Ensemble & Margo u/s. 

Mia Mannella (Ensemble) is a sophomore at Marquette from Roselle, IL majoring in Digital Media with a Theatre Arts minor. In her freshman year, Mia performed as Leonata u/s in Much Ado About Nothing and as part of the ensemble in Bright Star at Marquette. 

Nate Rodriguez (Ensemble) is a senior majoring in Theatre Arts and Journalism from Bartlett, IL. He has performed in six Marquette shows as an actor. He recently portrayed Billy Cane in Bright Star and Henry in Sanctuary City. Other Marquette credits include Dr. Lombardi in Servant of Two Masters and Chris in Marquette’s World Premiere production of In the Cities of Refuge. He has also served as an assistant stage manager for both Sweeney Todd and Detroit ’67.

Kendall Syslack (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her Skylight debut! She is currently a sophomore at Marquette University, majoring in digital media and theatre arts. Some of her favorite past credits include Cinderella with the Hartford Players, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Sunset Playhouse, and Bright Star with Marquette Theater.

Alyssa Tyson (Ensemble) is originally from South Carolina where she started her professional career at Charlotte Ballet Academy. She moved to Wisconsin to dance in Milwaukee Ballet's Pre-Professional Program where she began to fall in love with musical theatre. She performed with Ballet Theater of Maryland before deciding to follow her dreams and pursue musical theatre. She's very excited to be making her first musical theater appearance in Skylight Theater's production of Fiddler on the Roof

Joshua Zientara (Ensemble) a Junior at Marquette University double Majoring in Psychology and Theatre. He is beyond excited to have his professional theatre debut with Skylight Music Theatre.

Youth Performer Biographies

Allyson Lindberg (Shprintze) is thrilled to be making her Skylight Music Theatre debut as an 8th grader. Her most favorite roles include Mary Lennox in The Secret Garden at Forte Theatre Company; Olive Biddle in Pete the Cat at First Stage; Artful Dodger in Oliver! Jr. and Dory in Finding Nemo Jr. at Forte Theatre Company.

Alice Nguyen (Bielke) is honored to join the cast of Fiddler on the Roof for her first Skylight production. She has also appeared in First Stage’s productions of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and will be performing this winter in The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza.

Rohan Rhys (Young Suitor) is thrilled to debut at Skylight Theatre. They recently appeared as “Milo” in the World Premiere of Milo Imagines the World at Chicago Children’s Theatre. Other credits include Mary Poppins in Concert (Metropolis Performing Arts Centre), Carousel (Music Theater Works), and Ragtime (Metropolis Performing Arts Centre). Rohan trains at Actors Training Center, Voice Life Studios, and Chicago Actors Studio.

Mars Schultz (Young Suitor) is excited to return to Skylight Music Theatre, after making his debut with the company in Frankenstein the Musical. Recently, Mars portrayed the Miniature Nutcracker in The Nutcracker: Drosselmeyer’s Imaginarium at Milwaukee Ballet. Other roles include Gargoyle in Snow White, Onion in The Adventures of Cipollino, and Giant’s Helper in The Giant’s Garden, all with Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy.

About the Creative Team:

Michael Unger (Director) has been the Artistic Director of Skylight Music Theatre in Milwaukee, WI since September of 2019. Some favorite projects there include: The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Spring Awakening, Frankenstein, and Noises Off. He was previously the Associate Artistic Director of Off-Broadway’s York Theatre. For nine years, he was the Producing Artistic Director of NewArts in Newtown, CT, started in response to the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy; directing 17 productions working with over 650 area-children. He has directed benefit concerts honoring Susan Stroman, André DeShields, Maltby and Shire, and Leslie Uggams, as well as for the communities of Sandy Hook, CT and Parkland, FL.  

Yehuda L . Hyman (Choreographer) is the Artistic Director of Mystical Feet Company. He was born in Los Angeles to immigrant parents from Poland and Russia. Original plays include The Mad Dancers, Center of the Star, David in Shadow and Light and The Mar Vista. Honors include the Kennedy Center New American Plays Award, the NEA/TCG Playwright-in Residence Grant, and Playwrights' Center of Minneapolis Jerome Fellowship. MFA in Dance from Sarah Lawrence College. His dance writing has been published in Seeing Israeli and Jewish Dance, Dance in America, A Reader's Anthology and “The Oxford Handbook of Jewishness and Dance.”  Yehuda dedicates his work in Fiddler on the Roof to the memory of violinist, Daniel Hoffman.

David Bonofiglio (Music Director) holds a BFA in piano performance from Cardinal Stritch University. Selected credits as music director: Juliet & Romeo, Oliver, An Evening with Tim Rice, Xanadu, School of Rock, Evita, Mamma Mia!, The Full Monty, Little Shop Of Horrors, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee for Skylight Music Theatre; Little By Little, Scrooge In Rouge, A Cudahy Caroler Christmas, and Jesus Christ Superstar for In Tandem Theatre. Associate music director: A Christmas Carol for Milwaukee Rep.

About Skylight Music Theatre:

Skylight Music Theatre is a professional theatre company that produces innovative, high-quality musical productions that entertain, educate, and inspire. We are committed to providing a platform for local talent and showcasing the best of Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1959, Skylight is Milwaukee’s professional Equity music theatre company and the state's largest employer of Wisconsin actors. Skylight produces the full range of music theatre from blockbuster Broadway musicals to reimagined operas, and from exciting world premieres to contemporary off-Broadway hits. Skylight’s mainstage home is the Cabot Theatre in the Broadway Theatre Center, which was built by Skylight in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward in 1992. Considered to be one of Milwaukee’s most beautiful theatres, the Cabot Theatre is based on the design of an 18th-century French opera house. With just 350 seats it offers audiences great views of the action onstage and an undeniable connection with the performers. Skylight Music Theatre marks its 66th season in 2025-2026. Skylight Music Theatre is a proud Cornerstone Member of the United Performing Arts Fund.