King Center celebrates 35 years with opening of 'Fiddler on the Roof'
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Tevye, Golde, Tzeitel, Hodel, Yente and the rest of the characters of “Fiddler on the Roof” are visiting Brevard to usher in the King Center’s 35th anniversary, which happens to coincide with the opening night of the touring Broadway production of the beloved classic musical.
On April 10, 1988, the opening of “Singin’ in the Rain” began the King Center’s reign as the Space Coast’s premier entertainment venue. A lot has changed in those three-and-a-half decades that started when Ronald Reagan was the President of the United States, “Beetlejuice” was the hottest movie and Air Jordans were the cool sneakers.
One thing remains constant: The King Center’s dedication to entertaining us with a winning blend of internationally known performing artists and homegrown talent.
Through the years, the best of the best, from Aretha Franklin and Willie Nelson to Crosby, Stills & Nash and Carol Burnett, have graced the main stage, which is now named for King Center supporter L3Harris Technologies. It is also the stage where dancers from Space Coast Ballet perform graceful pirouettes and musicians of the Brevard Symphony Orchestra mesmerize audiences with the sound of music. For decades, Brevard Music Group has relied on the King Center, often in the intimate 300-seat Studio Theatre.
“We are so fortunate to have a first-class venue such as the King Center here on the Space Coast of Florida in Brevard County,” said board chair Dr. Anthony Catanese.
“To have a live, performing arts venue right here in our backyard which features national touring and local productions is truly spectacular."
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Construction for the 2,016-seat theater began in 1985 for the $12.3 million, 2,016-seat facility that started out as the Brevard Performing Arts Center, but was a year later renamed in honor of Dr. Maxwell C. King, then president of Brevard Community College, precursor to Easter Florida State College.
The venue recently received a $4-million dollar renovation that updated the front lobby, concession bar, security entrance, VIP Crown Club and HVAC.
ASM Global manages the King Center as part of a portfolio of venues around the globe.
“When we look for venues to represent and manage, not many stand out like the King Center does,” said Bob Papke, general manager of the King Center and vice president of theatres for ASM Global.
“With its ideal location for routing and size with ample seating capacity relative to the market, the King Center offers residents and visitors of Brevard County and surrounding areas a viable and exciting venue to visit and witness top-tier entertainment, without having to drive into some of the larger, surrounding metropolitan cities of Florida.”
The opening night for “Fiddler on the Roof,” a musical homage to life, is the date for the 35th celebration.
The American Theatre Guild’s innovative production of “Fiddler” opens at 7:30 p.m., Monday, April 10. A second show is slated for 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 11.
The original Broadway production of “Fiddler on the Roof,” which opened in 1964, was the first musical in history to surpass 3,000 performances. The show won the 1965 Tony Award for Best Musical in addition to eight other Tony Awards that year.
The King Center’s critically-acclaimed revival introduces a new generation to the iconic musical adored across the globe. The production is directed by Tony Award-winner Bartlett Sher (“To Kill a Mockingbird,” “South Pacific,” “The King and I”) and choreographed by the acclaimed Israeli choreographer Hofesh Shechter.
A special 35th anniversary announcement and ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 7:15 p.m. before the April 10 show. The first 500 patrons will receive a free 35th. anniversary cupcake from Love Bugs Bakery. An interactive photo-booth will be available and lobby decorations will be on display to further enhance the evening’s experience.
Tickets start at $39 and can be purchased at kingcenter.com or by calling 321-242-2219.
To life, to life, l’chaim, King Center, and to many more years of entertainment!
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: King Center celebrates 35th anniversary with 'Fiddler on the Roof'
