FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

Jim McGuigan obviously enjoyed playing the massive role of Tevye with his wife Golde, also ably played by Rosemary Kelly. Their duet “Do you love me” was particularly poignant. Daughters Tzeitel, Hodel and Chava (Lorraine Jackson-Brown, Emma Woods & Claire Costello) all showed individual characterisations and I liked Shprintze and Bielke’s (Emma Kelly & Mallory Lutton) inclusion in “Matchmaker”. Anthony Fitzpatrick blossomed as nervous tailor Motel and Ryan McCart as idealistic student Perchik.  Hodel’s solo “Far from the home I love” broke my heart, as did Chava’s haunting pleas to her father when she married Fyedka (Lee Cairns). Linda McWilliams played the wonderful character role of Yente effectively and Eddie Orr (Rabbi) and David McClelland (son Mendel) used their contrasting stature comedicly in the wedding scene. The roles of Lazar Wolf the butcher, the Constable, Mordcha the Innkeeper, Avram the Bookseller, Nachum the begger, and Shaindel, Motel’s mother were well covered. Special mention for Kate Adams as Grandma Tzeitel and Nicola Johnston as Fruma Sarah in an unusual dream scene. Mamas, Papas, Daughters and Sons gave a balanced vocal sound and the wide age range added authenticity. The Set worked well and good Lighting added to its appeal with regular use of a gauze. Costumes and Props were mostly suitable with character make-up showing the hard life of those austere times. Colin Loughead and his 9 piece orchestra were well controlled and sympathetic to singers. This was a safe show – a little pedestrian at times but good attention to detail.

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