Set in 1905 Tsarist Russia, “Fiddler on the Roof” centers on Tevye, the father of five daughters, and his attempts to maintain his family and Jewish religious traditions, while outside influences encroach upon their lives.

He must react not only to the strong-willed romantic choices of his three older daughters, as each one sliding further away from the customs of their faith, but to the edict of the Tsar, evicting the Jews from their village.

It’s joyful, funny, poignant and relevant. It signifies hope and it inspires. Nobody can deny the sheer magnitude of 35 students singing and dancing in unison, after weeks of dedicated rehearsal.

On November 1, Heartwood Theater and Lincoln Academy will open their eighth consecutive annual collaborative youth production, under the direction of Griff Braley and Beth Preston.

Six performances will be given in the Poe Theater at Lincoln Academy located at 81 Academy Hill Road in Newcastle. Show dates and times: November 1 and 2, 7-9 at 7:30 p.m.; November 3 at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $8/students through grade 12; $16/adults. Seating is unreserved, unless specially requested in advance. Reservations very strongly recommended. For tickets and reservations contact Heartwood (not Lincoln Academy) at 207-563-1373 or info@heartwoodtheater.org. For more details, visit www.heartwoodtheater.org.