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The themes of Fiddler on the Roof—marrying for money instead of love, a woman’s role in the household, the contrasting pulls of religion and politics—feel quite dated now, but the strains of “Tradition” and “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” still manage to conjure warm feelings in the hearts of many theatergoers. Arena Stage’s artistic director Molly Smith presents a new production of Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick’s musical set in a Russian shtetl in celebration of its 50th anniversary just in time for the holidays, when other area theaters are filling seats with variations on The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol. At its core, Fiddler is a story about families and the ways in which our communities shape us, making it the perfect play to see with your own family when they visit D.C. After all, the musical’s relationships between parents and children still mirror contemporary familial relationships. Just remember to pack tissues: Your mom will cry when she hears “Sunrise, Sunset.” Oct. 31—Jan. 4 at Arena Stage. $45–$99.