Fiddler on the Roof

The musical Fiddler is a moving story of prejudice encountered by a Jewish family in Russia that is not an easy show for young ones to take on but Crash Bang Wallop Youth Theatre did and produced a very accomplished show, that was enjoyed by all in the full house audience. 

Lead role of Tevye, played by Mackenzie Proll, who had nice singing voice, and great character, mannerisms and accent throughout. His wife Golde played by Annabella Burgess also had great comedy with her character, accent, and a beautiful voice.  Their bed scene “The Dream” was really funny. The three older daughters Tzeitel from Erin Gilhespie, eldest child was played well with lovely voice; Hodel played by Ella Tayler had a beautiful voice especially in her solo “Far from the Home I Love” and great character; and Chava played by Eve Robertson did her part well and danced beautifully too un “Chavaleh”, all three harmonised wonderfully in their sister's trio “Matchmaker”. 

 The suitors for these daughters created their characters too. Motel the tailor was performed by Harry Gates with good accent and lovely singing voice for his song “Miracle of Miracles”.  The activist Perchick was performed by Ella Smith good character, and nice voice, with lovely duo “Now I have Everything” with Hodel. Lazar Wolf the older butcher was really well played by Theo Greening with lovely accent and character and his singing was very good.  Matchmaker old woman Yente was performed by Madeleine Lane with nice characterisation and nice singing voice. Other cameos by Georgia Williams Jenny Coatsworth, Emma Kelly and Jen Beasley all added character and lovely song performances too.

 Each of the 35 members of the cast all gave energy, focus and character, great attitude, lovely harmony in the opening “tradition” and wedding scene “Sunrise sunset” and carried out their choreographed steps with style. Choreography was effective and styled to music in restricted area so well done Emma.

 The set purpose built and beautifully painted was cleverly reversible designed, and scene changes were slick and many and all well done. With the show entirely on the stage this year gave a smaller area but that worked well. The lighting was effective with different colours and isolations, on cue, and the sound radio mics worked well and gave a balanced sound working with the orchestra of 10 who gave a very nice balanced sound under the baton of Alan Owens. 

Lovely show Crash Bang Wallop Youth Theatre – well done all.

Councillor’s comment
Well done to all for a splendid production by those so young dealing with issues its to be hoped they never have to encounter. Anabella and Mackensie at 14 year old each gave a master class in the roles of Golde and Tevye that will live long in the memory. Great set, great music and choreography and a production team that must be understandably proud.

Youth Adviser comment
This very young cast tackled a show which deals with the problems of persecution, religion and family with a commitment and enthusiasm which was sincere. There were some very mature performances in particular by Tevye and Golda, their "Do you love me" sequence was delightful. Congratulations to all.

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