“Fiddler on the Roof” is presented as Sterling College’s Homecoming musical at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 2 and 3, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4.
Set in 1905, “Fiddler on the Roof” shows how love and tradition can affect a family. The main character in the musical, Tevye, fights conflicting feelings of sticking to his Jewish traditions while finding husbands for his five daughters. This musical, showcases famous musical numbers written by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, including “Tradition,” “If I Were a Rich Man” and “To Life.”
Now in 2026, “Fiddler on the Roof” is one of SC’s most produced shows, with this homecoming performance being its fourth production to take place on the Sterling College stage. In previous productions, Larry Gant, Clark Comley, and Mike Love have played Tevye. This year, senior Philip Starnes of Wellington, has the honor of playing the beloved role.
When asked about his role, Starnes comments: “Fiddler on the Roof” is one of the few shows that I can say I’ve always liked, and I’ve grown up watching. So, the fact that I get to play Tevye is really exciting.” Then additionally, “I basically always said that I didn’t have a dream role, but if I did, really it would be Tevye. And it is really cool to think that I get to play this role, and it’s one I never really thought I would get to play. It’s great to have that opportunity in college. It’s the kind of opportunity that I will be glad that I had for the rest of my life, so that’s really special.”
When asked about SC Theatre’s community, Philip Starnes says, “The community of the Sterling Theatre department is fantastic. For me, one of my favorite things about doing a show isn’t so much performing one, but just the process of working through a really challenging thing with a group of people and growing closer to them through the process of doing that thing. One of the most special things about a production is the fact that, by the time you’re done, you feel like you have a family with you. And that’s part of the process, which is especially poignant for a show that is so heavily centered on family and family tradition and our relationships with the people that we love.” Starnes then ends his comment saying, “I have nothing but great things to say about everyone.”
As Homecoming weekend approaches, with both the 50th class reunion of the 1976 class and the Decade of the ’70s Reunion, all are encouraged to come see the show.
Just as Tevye supports and loves his children, Sterling College is excited to bring back generations of alumni to the college and embraces tradition and family by performing “Fiddler on the Roof.”
Tickets for “Fiddler on the Roof” are $15 for adults and $10 for students and are available at www.sterling.edu/arts, as well as at the door before each show.
