I have never been shy about tooting my own horn. I don’t think my ego is out of control, mind you, but if I’ve done something that I’m proud of, I want other people to know about it.

You may have noticed that I haven’t put up many posts here lately (oops, there’s the ego), and that is because I have been spending every free moment wrapped in a babushka and apron, learning to sing “Matchmaker, Matchmaker.” That’s right, Fiddler on the Roof is almost here, and it is going to be wonderful.

The production is the result of a huge collaborative effort of people from all over the Black Hills, including Lead, Deadwood, Spearfish, Sturgis, Rapid City, and probably several I’m forgetting. There are 48 people in the cast, ranging in ages from 5 to 80, plus a 5-member orchestra who are doing an amazing job keeping us in line. We have a students of all ages, professionals from all over the Hills, a former state senator, and I hear a rumor there might even be some chickens.

The point is, this group of people has worked very hard on this show, and it is going to be amazing. Being the first community theater production to be staged at the Homestake Opera House since it burned down in 1984, it is also a significant milestone for the restoration efforts being made there.

If you live in the area, we hope you’ll be able to stop by to support your friends and family. If you’re visiting from somewhere else, you should also come and see the amazing production we were able to put together, not to mention the amazing opera house where it will be produced. Shows are Friday and Saturday evenings plus a Sunday matinées this weekend and next. You can reserve your tickets online or call 1-800-344-5122.

If you come, I’ll try extra hard not to fall off my bench.