TEVYE CELEBRATES HIS 50 YEARS
WITH THE FIDDLER IN NOVATO CA.
September 22nd 2014 marked the 50th anniversary of the Broadway opening of Fiddler on the Roof at the Imperial Theatre. Producer Hal Prince helped to bring out the best of Joseph Stein who wrote the book, Sheldon Harnick who wrote the lyrics, and Jerry Bock who composed the music. Together, they helped to create one of the greatest musicals of our time.
Now playing through April 26, 2015, at Novato Theater Company, director Pat Nims challenges the audience to experience this iconic musical in a smaller space for such a large talented cast.
Jerome Robbins, who directed of the original 1964 Broadway production, called upon his writing team, and playwright to add an opening song to introduce Tevye, his daughters, their suitor, the village of Anatevka, and the Russians under whose rule they lived. But it wasn’t just these people who were introduced in the context of “Tradition,” it was also the rudiments of Judaism.
Michael Walraven plays a satisfying Tevye by singing well, adapting to Pat Nims direction, and putting a sincere effort into surely one of the great musical roles. Walraven is close to his audience in this space and Tevye actually walks into the aisles for the iconic “If I Were A Rich Man”. Nims also keeps the Fiddler on stage for many of the main numbers - so well performed by Ashley Kimball.
One of the more successful performances comes from James Gregory as Motel Kamzoil, the tailor who is in love with Tzeitel, Tevye oldest daughter. Mr. Gregory manages to be endearing, vulnerable, and yet captivating. Tzeitel, played by Bouket Fingerhut also gives an authentic, terrific acting performance. They brought a tear to my eye as they bubbled over with love during “Miracle of Miracles.” Fiddler is a great show for young leads - the four love interests all for the most part have solos - Ben Knoll and Gena Madory as Perchick the young student and Hodel second eldest daughter, work well together.
The amazing Paula Gianetti, her self an Italian mom - is wonderful as the jewish mom and Tevye’s wife Golde. The enduring “Do You Love Me” is very well performed. Yente is well played by Amy Dietz and can be annoying yet still lovable. All the classic songs from this 50 year old classic are all easy to recall and this company performed them all very well on such a small stage. “Tradition”, “To Life” and the wedding celebration all keep the spirit of larger productions. Yet at times Kate Kenyon choreography was a bit clumsy on such a small stage. When Nims expands the cast to fill the small house at the NTC - and the villagers fill the aisles - it's a powerful move to bring the show into the entire space.
The most memorable part of the production happens during “The Dream.” This song which tells the story of Tevye’s spooky nightmare really allows for costume designer Janice Deneau, set designer Mark Clark, and lighting designer Brigid Tillotson to get creative. There are details in some of the costumes for this song that I noticed that add special meaning.
The orchestra, off stage, lead by music director Carl Oser and his five members including the Fiddler, are excellent. Some other smaller roles I would like to mention include Patrick Barr as Lazar Wolf the butcher, John Griffin as Mordcha the innkeeper, Rhett Martino the Rabbi son, Sandi Rubay as Grandma Tzeitel and Nick Moore as the Russian Fyedka.
For fifty years Fiddler on the Roof has earned respect as one of the greatest musicals of all time. Songs like “Sunrise, Sunset,” “Matchmaker,” and “If I Were a Rich Man,” will always be a “Tradition” in the American musical theatre. This production at NTC will sell fast so be sure to get your seats soon.
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
Fridays and Saturdays: 8:00pm; Sundays: 2:00pm, March 27th - April 26
Adults $25, Seniors & Students $22, Youth $12, Members $19 -
online ticketing at www.novatotheatercompany.org;
call (415) 883-4498 for questions/information. Open Seating • Free Parking
Running Time: 2 hours 20 minutes with Intermission.
Photo’s by Mark Clark
No comments:
Post a Comment