Why is that “Fiddler on the Roof” ? -- TRADITION !!!

At one time the longest-running Broadway musical, “Fiddler on the Roof” comes to the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center this week starring Thomas Fiscella as Tevye and Victoria Strong as his wife, Golde. The cast also includes Richard Israel as Motel, Carly Nykanen as Tzeitel, Stephen Reynolds as Lazar Wolf, Arlene Thomas as Yente and Kelby Thwaits as Fyedka. The principal cast also includes Deidre Haren, Michaelia Leigh and Jason Webb.

Featuring the songs “Sunrise, Sunset,” “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Matchmaker,” among others, the original Broadway production opened in 1964 and was the first musical to pass 3,000 performances. Nominated for 10 Tony Awards for its initial production that starred Zero Mostel, “Fiddler” also was revived four times on Broadway and had a 1971 film adaptation. Jerome Robbins originally directed and choreographed “Fiddler,” which included the score by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick.

The Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities’ production of “Fiddler on the Roof” runs Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. Dec. 13 and 20; Sundays at 2 p.m.; and Sunday evening performances at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 and 21. Closing night is Dec. 21.

The Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center is located at 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd. in Redondo Beach. Tickets are $40 to $60 and can be purchased at www.civiclightopera.com or by calling (310) 372-4477.