Fiddler on the Roof

Sylvia and I were delighted to support Dronfield Musical Theatre Group with their production of Fiddler on the Roof at their dress rehearsal on Monday 11th Oct at Dronfield Civic Theatre at 7.30 pm .

Being permitted to see their dress rehearsal gave us the opportunity of witnessing the many months of hard work coming to fruition .

This production being full of iconic and powerful songs needs strong characters to portray their parts and I am delighted to say they didn't disappoint .

The often repeated TRADITION allowed the choreographer to keep the male  and female cast separated  ,stage left stage right , during some of the full production  numbers which I felt only enhanced the quality and balances of the rich array of voices .

Tevye is such an iconic character requiring a performer with many attributes ,Alisdair Adams certainly made this role his own with his excellent vocal range showing both power and compassion throughout the production . His catch phrase of .. The good book says..songs ,Tradition and If I were a Rich man ,along with many memorable scenes and my particular  favourite scene in Act 2 with Hodel, one of his daughters  played by  Beth Black.

 .I really enjoyed Sarah Betts as Golde, Tevye's wife , who performed really well with excellent characterisation ,singing and an ever strong  presence along with her five daughters played by Louise Humpage , Beth Black , Ellie Ashmore , Darcey Tanner and Hannah  Bricklebank . Likewise these young ladies portrayed their differing characters very well with some beautiful singing along with clear and well delivered acting . 

Cara Chester as  Yenta  the matchmaker , Ben Patterson as Motel, the tailor , Tommy Jones as Perchit the student , Adam Chapman as Fyedka and Paul Black as Lazor Wolf The Butcher performed their varying roles to a very high  standard . I really enjoyed many of the scenes they were involved in showing a number of lovely acting moments mixed with emotion and humour . 

Credit goes to the production team in giving everyone a character name , and whilst you may not have been specifically mentioned above it  took  nothing away from your individual performances . I always enjoyed  watching the whole ensemble  on stage and in particular what you are doing along with your reactions and visual involvement  . I personally am a firm believer that any production is only as good as the whole team while taking nothing from those taking the principal roles.   Without  the full cast involvement, however, the production would be seriously lacking . 

The set looked very effective and worked well and I liked the way you fronted the orchestra pit making that area a part of the production . The costumes were very fitting for the period and worked well . A personal observation only is that sometimes costumes and in particular shoes and boots almost look too new but that of course is a problem we all have when hiring . Also I would have liked to see liquid being poured during the Inn scene but quite understand the current COVID restrictions and potential difficulties of liquids on stage . Your cast made full use of the stage and even when space was at a premium they managed their moves well. 

The Orchestra under the direction of your MD Judith Pendlebury played beautifully and kept their sound levels very consistent  allowing the audience to hear their work and that of the performers clearly throughout . The lighting was also very effective and the only slight problems will now have been resolved ready for opening night . 

You must have had many trials during such testing times during rehearsals but  I feel you have succeeded in producing a wonderful show that your audiences will enjoy. . 

I have deliberately left mention of Lotte Bassett ,the Fiddler , until now , Her role almost demands a solitary performance , drifting on and off stage with  timing and discipline It was hard to see if she was playing or not but I was really impressed with her finger positions on the violin and stop start timing Well done . 

Thank you for inviting us to see your production which I really hope proves successful .Enjoy your week and send your audiences home with a smile on their face  and a tune in their head . 

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