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Don't fiddle around.

"Fiddler on the Roof" has set a new attendance record at the Lake City Playhouse - and it still has four shows left.

"Tradition," it seems, is beloved in the Lake City.

"Fiddler is one of those theater warhorses," said George Green, Playhouse artistic director. "Like 'South Pacific' that will be in-concert later this season or 'Oklahoma' that will open next year's season, 'Fiddler on the Roof' has both a great book and a score that audiences love."

Directed by Abbey Crawford, the two-hour musical has been packing the 170-seat theater on Garden Avenue since it began its three-week run on Sept. 16.

It has attracted more than 2,200 patrons - breaking the previous mark of 2,100 by 'Urinetown' - and the phone has been ringing steadily at the Playhouse as word spreads of the show's stellar performances.

Twelve of 13 shows have sold out.

No surprise, Green said. This is theater at its best.

"There is no doubt that seeing a big show in our space is a unique experience," Green said. "Telling the story and capitalizing on the intimacy of our venue is the key to a successful production at Lake City Playhouse."

While theatrical success is nice, Green said "The theater is climbing a steep hill" financially.

Many debts have been paid or negotiated but there are still several that need to be addressed, he said.

Some of the major projects recently completed include fire suppression system, a new roof, foundation repairs and a new sound system.

Upcoming projects include new landscaping, an event area and seat repairs.

It's nice, Green said, to have a hit like "Fiddler on the Roof" that tells the story of Tevye, played by Steve Kane of Post Falls, as he deals with changes facing his family in their Russia Jewish community.

"Shows such as this certainly help make the journey rewarding and easier to navigate," Green said. "However, a nine-month season is expensive and requires planning and a frugal attitude."

If you go

Fiddler on the Roof's final performances at the Lake City Playhouse are 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Box Office hours are noon to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.

The box office re-opens two hours prior to showtime. Tickets are $19 for adults, $17 for veterans and students, $15 for seniors. Information: 667-1323