convinced that the cantor from Petach Tikva could do it all. "They talked of me go- ing for acting classes, but (director) Steven Pimlott told those in the Tel Aviv company, 'Don't touch him. I want him as is.' " And if they didn't agree, "Steve said, 'I'll put him in the London production,' " recalls Cantor Fisher. "Well, they figured if I'm good enough for London, I'm good enough for Tel Aviv." Was he ever. David Fisher performed as Jean Valjean more than 600 times. When producer Cameron Mackin- tosh put together an inter- The Orthodox cantor will not perform on Shabbat. national cast of Les Miserables for a special command performance before the Queen of England in 1989, he chose David Fisher as his Valjean. Cantor Fisher doesn't have to choose between roles as cantor and actor. In a way, they're co-mingled, he says. "To be a cantor is also to be an actor," he says with a smile. "But when you finish your service as cantor, there is no applause. That is hard" to deal with, he says good- naturedly. At the bimah or on Broad- way, David Fisher doesn't have to make choices bet- ween the secular and re- ligious tugs at his heart. In an unorthodox arrangement — maybe a first for Broad- way — the Orthodox cantor will not be performing dur- ing Shabbat. David Fisher credits Mr. Mackintosh for the special arrangement. "This time of year was chosen for my engagement here because it will not interfere with any Jewish holidays," says Can- tor Fisher. "My six months end just before Passover." His Broadway debut br- ings it home for friends and family that David Fisher, the son of Holocaust sur- vivors, means business about his theatrical career. "It is a shock for a lot of peo- ple," he says with a laugh, "including my wife and parents." And some fans. "I was very famous among certain peo- ple in Israel," says David Fisher of the religious sec- tion of the country who covet his recordings of Yiddish and Chasidic works. "But the non-religious people don't know my name." Now that he is making a name for himself in theater, maybe all that will change. On the other hand, "When I started doing Les Miserables in Tel Aviv, the Chasids felt that I left them." He went on the record to let them know that was not the case. "After three years in Les Mis, I recorded an- other Chasidic record," he notes. As an observant Jew, says David Fisher, he doesn't close his eyes — or any doors — on the Jewish community he has served for so many years. David Fisher gives thanks that the character who has brought him to the edge of fame is a man of faith also. "Jean Valjean is a religious man," notes the cantor. "He prays a lot. So do I." The prayers are being an- swered. David Fisher feels God is helping him on his quest to find happiness — and success — on stage. "He puffs at me, pushes me all the time," says David Fisher. O Tu B'Shevat At Maple-Drake The Jewish Community Cen- ter, HomeHealth Exchange and the Jewish National Fund will host a celebration of Tu B'She- vat at Maple-Drake Jan. 23 at 2 p.m. Ron Coden and Josh White Jr. will entertain at this inter- generational concert. Admission is free. Library Holds Used Book Sale The Friends of the Huntington Woods Library will hold a Book- Lover's Used Book Sale Dec. 4 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in the low- er level of the library. Proceeds will be used to sup- plement library budget funds for equipment, projects and spe- cial publications. Players Stage `Rumors' Rosedale Community Players will present Rumors by Neil Si- mon. Rumors is a comedy about an anniversary party that goes awry. Performances begin 8 p.m. Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Upstage The- ater, 21728 Grand River. Call Margaret Bross, 537- 7716. O Discover what Chambertin diners have known for years. New lower prices with new menu selections, make the Chambertin dining experience even better. And our Frequent Diner Club is one xperience it for yourself. Char- Li grilled fillet of swordfish. more reason to be a regular Seafood Fetuccine, with fresh Chambertin patron. The Chambertin mussels and Gulf shrimp and welcomes luncheon guests with a scallops. Beef Wellington a la daily special menu. You'll enjoy the Chambertin. These and 21 other Chambertin whether you're taking a original specialties at the famous customer out or having dinner with Chambertin are now in the $11 to your family. We're looking forward $17 range, with daily dinner specials to seeing you soon. Located at the Holiday Inn Dearborn, 22900 Michigan Avenue, one block east of Outer Drive, 278-6900 for reservations. 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