By MYRON LOVE
In a bold move that has the city’s cultural enthusiasts buzzing with excitement — or perhaps just mild curiosity — Winnipeg Jewish Theatre (WJT) is partnering with Rainbow Stage to present “Fiddler on the Roof.” Yes, you heard that right. They decided to unite forces to create a spectacle so grand it might just steal the summer thunder (and, let’s be honest, a few wallets) in September 2026.
“We’ve teamed up with other theatre companies before,” Dan Petrenko, the WJT’s artistic and managing director, affirms. “But this time, we’re stepping it up. It’s like teaming a cat with a dog: both like things their own way, but we’re giving it a go.” He cites previous collaborations with the likes of the Segal Centre in Montreal and other illustrious companies. “Frankly, with rising antisemitism making headlines like a really bad soap opera, we felt the urgency to showcase Jewish culture on a stage big enough to fit the entire neighborhood. Why not reach out to as many souls as possible?”
After a nerve-wracking proposal last year, it seems Rainbow Stage managed to contain its excitement in a way that didn’t frighten the horses. “We’re thrilled to join forces with the largest musical theatre company in Winnipeg,” Petrenko explains, possibly while dreaming of ticket sales. “With an audience of over 10,000 every season, we’re looking at ‘Fiddler’ as not just another show, but a family-friendly community event that’ll draw in the young and the young-at-heart.”
But wait, there’s more! The dynamic duo of Petrenko, Shevelev, and Kroft — the youth-centric management team — are keen on attracting not just theatre buffs, but a delightful melange of diverse communities. Think newcomers from Israel or the expansive territories of the former Soviet Union. “It’s like a cultural buffet,” says Petrenko, “and everyone loves a good meal (especially when it’s served with a side of musicals).”
Introducing the newest faces at WJT, we have Company Manager Etel Shevelev and Marketing Guru Julia Kroft — both under the tender age of 30, so you know they’re practically teenagers in the professional world. Kroft, who’s already juggling an impressive singing career along with her director role at Gray Academy, moves in rhythm like a well-rehearsed performance. She’s already a community theatrical darling, or should we say “community diva”?
Then we have Shevelev, who is knee-deep in a Fine Arts degree while simultaneously taking the theatre world by storm. Fresh off a youth theatre program in Israel, she’s all set to revolutionize WJT from the inside out. “I love the chaos and unpredictability of this job,” she admits, clearly delusional about the stress-free nature of theatre management. Either that or she’s been rehearsing for an upcoming audition.
And just when you think it can’t get any better, WJT is gearing up for another production in April called “Ride: The Musical,” about the first woman to bicycle around the globe. Talk about spinning tales! Directed by the illustrious Lisa Stevens — an Emmy and Olivier award nominee — prepare to be wowed, or at least convinced that you too can achieve great things with a bicycle and a bit of perseverance.
So there you have it. If you’re looking for hilarity, culture, and a slice of family-friendly entertainment packed into a musical extravaganza, mark your calendars for September 2026. For the latest updates and all forthcoming shows, visit wjt.ca, drop an email to info@wjt.ca, or simply dial the box office at 204-477-7515. Remember, there’s nothing quite like a night at the theatre — except perhaps a night at home with takeout and a Netflix binge.
Post Views: 273
