The iconic musical “Fiddler on the Roof” has dazzled audiences for decades, and a new, revamped version of the show will take center stage at the Lyric Opera in Chicago later this year.

The show, which is set to debut in Chicago on September 17, centers on the story of Tevye, who will be played in this production by Steven Skybell as he makes his debut with the company.

Skybell says the themes that won over audiences when the original musical debuted on Broadway in 1964 still ring true today, resonating with performers and audiences alike.

“Family comes before ideology,” he said. “So Tevye and her middle-aged characters are really rethinking their ideologies of how to get along in the world, to conform to what they want to give their daughters.”

While avid theatergoers may have seen other productions of “Fiddler,” this performance will be very different, thanks in large part to the massive ensemble, with more than 100 dramatic and musical artists participating.

Director Barrie Kosky has reinvented the look of the musical.

“I think the audience will be blown away by the sheer joy of the musical score, just heaven,” he said. “Like musical theater heaven, which you don’t get anywhere outside of an opera house.”

Music director Kimberly agrees.

“The score is glorious, with a full string section…all brass. Three basses instead of one bass! And then we have a whole choir,” she said.

Glencoe native Lauren Marcus and Maya Jacobson will play two of Tevye’s daughters.

“We all cried several times during rehearsal,” says Jacobson.

“And just when you think you’re done crying, you’re like, ‘I know how beautiful this can be,'” Marcus added.

Fiddler on the Roof, a timeless story of love, community and tradition, opens at the Lyric Opera House on September 17 and runs until October 7.