Laemmle celebrates a decade of song, shtick, and shenanigans by once again inviting Angelenos to come together for its legendary Christmas Eve, “Fiddler on the Roof Sing-A-Long” extravaganza. Now in its 11th consecutive year, the evening will feature a host of Fiddler activities—all centered around the screening of Norman Jewison’s beloved 1971 Oscar-winning musical.
New for 2018: The program has expanded to eight of Laemmle’s neighborhood locations including, for the first time, the recently remodeled Monica Film Center R in Santa Monica and the brand new Laemmle Glendale located in the heart of Glendale’s burgeoning arts district.
The program will take place across town at 7:30 pm in multiple locations in the valley, city, and stretching all the way out to Claremont—including the vintage Ahrya Fine Arts, single-screen, art deco movie palace in Beverly Hills.
Those looking for an alternative Christmas Eve need look no further. “This is your once-a-year chance to be the star of the shtetl,” remarks theatre proprietor Greg Laemmle. He continues, “Join voices with friends and neighbors and sing your heart out alongside Fiddler’s screen legends. And it’s okay if you haven’t memorized all the songs. We provide the lyrics.”
Song highlights include the iconic “Tradition,” “If I Were A Rich Man,” “Matchmaker,” “Sunrise Sunset,” “Do You Love Me?” and “Anatevka,” among many others. In addition to movie and song, the audience will be regaled with Fiddler history and trivia, with Prizes being awarded to Fiddler buffs with the quickest recall. Guests are invited come dressed in character – who knows, there might even be an opportunity to show off their best Tevye or Golde impression! Each location will feature an MC that will lend their distinctive personality to the evening.
Cantor Aviva Rosenbloom headlines our Fiddler extravaganza at Laemmle’s Pasadena Playhouse. An anti-war activist and veteran of the Civil Rights Movement, Rosenbloom’s life trajectory changed after a transformational trip to Israel. With the realization that Jewish music was her calling, her journey soon led her to become the first full-time woman Cantor in Los Angeles. She served as Cantor at Temple Israel of Hollywood for over 30 years from 1975 to 2008. She is also a songwriter, with several recordings of Jewish music to her credit, including the career retrospective “Viva Aviva: A Life in Song.” Rosenbloom’s appearance as Fiddler host will benefit our community partner, the Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys
New this year to the Claremont 5, Dr. Arthur Benjamin brings his mesmerizing math and magic combo to host and entertain our Claremont audiences in an entirely unique way! Appearing on TV and radio on shows such as “The Today Show,” “CNN,” “The Colbert Report,” and “NPR,” Dr. Benjamin demonstrates and explains his secrets for performing rapid mental calculations faster than a calculator. He has given 3 TED Talks, one of which has been viewed over five million times. Reader’s Digest calls him “America’s Best Math Whiz”. Dr. Benjamin’s appearance as host will benefit Temple Beth Israel in Claremont, our Fiddler partner for the past six years.
“Christmas Eve isn’t just Chinese food anymore,” observes Greg Laemmle. “We invite all those who don’t traditionally celebrate Christmas to come join us as we extend the holiday spirit though the joy of film and song,” he adds.
Those who wish to attend the program are advised to purchase tickets in advance at Laemmle.com/Fiddler. The program has traditionally sold to capacity.
SHOW INFO
Don’t miss this incredible show. There is sure to be something for everyone.
WHEN: Sunday, December 24, 2018, 7:30 pm (Christmas Eve)
WHAT: Screening of classic musical film “Fiddler on the Roof” with audience participation, movie trivia, costume contest, and guest hosts. It’s the program’s 11th consecutive year!
WHERE: Fine Arts, 8556 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills
– NoHo 7, 5240 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood
– Royal, 11523 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles
– Playhouse 7, 673 East Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Hosted by Cantor Aviva Rosenbloom.
– Claremont 5, 450 West 2nd Street, Claremont. Hosted by Dr. Arthur Benjamin
– Town Center 5, 17200 Ventura Blvd., Encino
Tickets: Purchase at Laemmle.com/Fiddler. Prices range from $15 (senior/child) to $18, with further discounts for Laemmle Premiere Card holders.
