DIRECTING a production of the legendary musical Fiddler on the Roof has revived treasured childhood memories for Debbie Ruth.

Looking for a new challenge, she took the helm of the show by the Dorchester Amateur Dramatics Society (DADS) — and has not been disappointed.

“Fiddler on the Roof has always been a little special to me ever since I was given the opportunity to audition for the film when I was a young child,” said Debbie, who grew up in a theatrical family and now runs her own youth and community theatre.

She sees parallels between her own family’s history and the show’s storyline.

Fiddler on the Roof, which is coming to the stage of Dorchester village hall next month, tells the story of a father’s fight to maintain his family in the Jewish tradition.

Set in Tsarist Russia in 1905, it centres on poor milkman Tevye, the father of five daughters, as he faces outside influences encroaching upon their lives.

Debbie said: “I love the storyline of Fiddler on the Roof and its traditional family set-up. The story is close to some of the experiences within my own family on my father’s side.

“I have been able to relate to many of the emotions, having witnessed from a distance the difficulties that some young people have faced in trying to take ownership of making their own decisions against the traditional values of their faith, and coping with rejection by the parents.”

Wth music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, Fiddler on the Roof contains well-known songs such as Tradition, Fiddler on the Roof, If I Were a Rich Man and Sunrise, Sunset.

Debbie, principal director for the Abdabs Youth and Community Theatre at Witney, said: “Fiddler on the Roof has some really quirky comedy moments combined with beautifully emotive songs.

“The DADS’ Fiddler cast is a very talented bunch of actors and have worked hard to deliver the sense of family and religious values that underpin this beautiful story. I feel privileged to have had this opportunity to work with such talented and committed people.”

In DADS’ latest production, John Cornelius reprises his 1993 role of the devout Tevye as he tries to cope both with the strong-willed actions of his three older daughters — each one’s choice of husband moves further away from the customs of his faith — and the edict of the Tsar to evict Jews from their village.

And while Golde (Ann Winslet), Tevye’s sharp-tongued wife, respects him as head of the family, she also has a mind of her own.

The couple’s oldest daughter Tzeitel, 19, (Catherine Paul) loves hardworking tailor Motel (Mark Wilkin) and wants to marry him even though he’s poor; second oldest Hodel, 17, (Rachel Winslet -Morris) falls in love with Perchik (Johnny Cornelius), a student and determined Bolshevik revolutionary; and third oldest Chava, 15, (Sarah Gladwin) becomes smitten with Fyedka (Victor Moynot), a young Christian man.

Debbie, who has run Abdabs on a part-time basis for nine years, came forward to take on the role of director for Fiddler after DADS advertised the role following the death last year of longstanding member Terry Chipperfield who had been at the helm of its musicals for many years.

“I saw that DADS were looking for a director, I was looking for a new challenge and wanted to see if I could help” said Debbie, who has worked as a professional actor, singer and dancer in the past.

“I have been directing musicals and plays for over the past eight years including Bugsy Malone, High School Musical, The Full Monty and many more.”

The musical direction for the show comes from Angie Patterson and Russell Leigh. Other cast members include Fiona Walker (Shandel); Jim Levi (Lazar Wolf); Liz Frederick (Fruma Sarah); Maxine Ford (Grandma Tzeitel); Michael Herbert (Avram); Mike Davies (Innkeeper); Mike Selway (Rabbi) and Rosemary Mills (Yente).

Fiddler on the Roof opened in 1964 and held the record for the longest-running Broadway musical until it was overtaken by Grease. It spawned a 1971 film adaptation.

The show is based on Tevye and his Daughters (or Tevye the Dairyman) and other tales by Sholem Aleichem.

DADS is performing the show at Dorchester village hall from Wednesday to Saturday, May 14 to 17. Tickets for the Wednesday performance at £8 and for the Thursday to Saturday shows are £10 and are available from www.dads.ticketsource.co.uk, tickets@dads.org.uk or by calling 01865 340792.