Through August 3, 2008
Reviewed by Chris Gibson
Set during a period of great turmoil just prior to the Russian revolution (1905), Fiddler on the Roof is a joyous celebration of life in times of uncertainty. Cole Bean Bay's production brings an intimacy to the show, partially due to the relatively small confines of the Orris Theater, that allows a closer examination of Joseph Stein, Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Beck's thoughtful and heart warming take on the themes of family and tradition. Anchored by a generally strong and engaging cast, this is a successful presentation that's suitable for the entire family.
Beleaguered milkman Tevye is constantly philosophizing and conversing with God, in order to find a way out of his impoverished existence. With revolution looming on the horizon he faces the prospect of relocation and religious persecution. But, Tevye is more concerned with tradition than politics, and as the story unfolds he finds his beliefs taxed to their limit.
Kevin Marler is a perfect fit as Tevye. His rich bass voice suits the material, and his delivery echoes some of the more famous performers who've tackled the role, like Zero Mostel and Topol. He gives the part depth and power, and whenever he's on stage, he's the center of attention. His renditions of "Tradition", "If I Were A Rich Man" and "Do You Love Me" are especially well done. Less successful is Sara Drost as his long suffering wife, Golde. She's a bit too weak, making it hard to understand how this bear of a man could be so whipped by her.
Erin Evers is good as eldest daughter Tzeitel, promised to Lazar Wolf by her father and the matchmaker, but ending up married to childhood sweetheart, Motel, who's played with sensitivity by Luke Bridges. They share a nice moment during the song "Miracle of Miracles". Next in line to marry is Amanda Blalock as Hodel, who falls for Perchik, a schoolteacher Tevye takes in. Blalock does nice work with the emotional tune, "Far From the Home I Love" as she prepares to follow her jailed suitor to Siberia. Maggie McVey is even more forthright as Chava, who falls from grace when she marries outside her faith. Together, the daughters perform a delightful version of "Matchmaker", as they discuss the problems with arranged marriages.
Standing out in support are: Betsy Bauer as Yente, the matchmaker; John Vullo as Lazar Wolf; Cory Cunningham as perceived radical, Perchik; Cody Heuer as Fyedka; and talented musician Carter Baird, as the Fiddler.
Director Landon Shaw manages to capture the essence of the show while narrowing it's scope. Memorable moments include: the Sabbath Prayer, with its conflagration of lit candles illuminating the darkness, and the Dream sequence, which utilizes black lights for an eerie effect. Nicole Trueman-Shaw's choreography is a scaled down re-creation of Jerome Robbins' original work, and it's tightly performed and executed for the most part. Michael Hopewell and Amanda Blalock's vocal direction has a few weak links, but not enough to detract from the overall experience.
Cole Bean Bay's production of Fiddler on the Roof continues through August 3rd (2008), at the Orris Theater in Sainte Genevieve, MO. For more information call 573-883-1067.
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