Once just isn’t enough sometimes, and two actors and one musical director decided they couldn’t stay away. TLT’s “Fiddler on the Roof,” opening Feb. 20 at the Tryon Fine Arts Center, seems to be that kind of show, and Pam McNeil, Helen Byrd and John Calure have jumped on board again.
Although she has appeared in many TLT shows, Byrd’s first role ever for TLT was as Tzeitel, Tevye and Golde’s oldest daughter in “Fiddler on the Roof,” which first ran in 1991. twenty three years later, she has aged gracefully to become Yente, the town gossip and matchmaker.
“The role of Yente in TLT’s first production of ‘Fiddler’ was played superbly by Tony Baker, and I’d like to dedicate my role to her memory,” said Byrd.
John Calure, another veteran of the TLT stage played Lazar Wolf, the wealthy butcher in the show first time around, and through Yente the matchmaker, he’s vying to marry Teitzel.  In this production, Calure is Nachum the beggar – a definite down-turn in his financial situation. Calure has been happily involved in TLT since he moved to the area with his wife in 1984.
“Christine Fitch directed the show back in ‘91, and Stephen Fitch played the father, Tevye,” said Calure.  “Both were retired professionals, and contributed so much to TLT over the years.”
“I knew it was a well-loved show,” said McNeil, musical director, “and we certainly have the talent in the area. It’s a good show for the entire family and the music is fun for both singers and dancers. What I think is so appealing for audiences are the timeless themes of tradition versus modernity; of re-thinking life situations; of keeping your sense of humor in the face of adversity. All of those things are as pertinent today as they were in turn-of-the-century Russia. It’s always a joy to be able to share the multiple talents of the area in an excellent theatrical production such as this one – so here I am again!”
“Fiddler on the Roof” runs Feb. 20 – 23 at the Tryon Fine Arts Center. Tickets go on sale Feb. 10 at the TLT Workshop (516 S. Trade St. Tryon).  Call 828-859-2466 for more information, or visit www.tltinfo.org.