Fiddler on the Roof

Fiddler on the Roof was written by Joseph Stein, with music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick.  It was first performed over 50 years ago but the story is just as relevant now as it was then as we are constantly reminded on the news with the battles that the people of Ukraine face on a daily basis. In view of that IODS are supporting the British Red Cross Ukraine Appeal by donating all the proceeds of their raffle to the charity.

The Director, Sally, has always been passionate about this show and her concept and attention to detail all worked so well.  As we take our seats the stage is already set with some of the actors frozen in a tableau as gradually more and more join them.  This is a very large stage and it has been Sally along with Owen Berry, her set designer’s idea to have Tevye and his family acting centre stage whilst to the sides of the stage other families  are sitting in their houses watching and interacting with the proceedings. This was particularly effective as the family prepare for the Sabbath, lighting their candles and gradually you see all the other families in their groups doing the same. This gives the feeling of inclusivity of all the families around the village.

The story revolves around Tevye, his wife Golde and their five daughters. He is a poor farmer living in the village of Anatevka and tells us of their rural traditions. Indeed the first musical number is entitled ‘Tradition’ and this theme runs right the way through the show. However, as time goes on, his daughters gradually get married and Tevye has to face up to the fact that their lives are changing and challenging their traditions.

Duncan Broatch plays Tevye, an extremely accomplished portrayal with a passion for his traditions and the love of his family. Stephanie Brown plays Golde, his wife, her excellent acting skills shine through as she tries to hold the family together, often somewhat exasperated from Tevye’s laid back attitudes. They both have numerous songs but their duet of ‘Do You Love Me’ is particularly  emotional.  The three elder daughters and their would be husbands are all equally talented. Laura Mayhew is Tzeitel, the eldest, with Owen Berry as Motel the Tailor as he nervously askes Tevye for her hand in marriage.  Hodel (Evie White) falls in love with Perchik (Wade Ablitt) the radical student, along with Chava (Phoebe Gissing) and Fyedka (Tom Mayhew) who elope when Tevye refuses to sanction their marriage.    

They are supported by a superb and talented cast.  Stephen Watt is the Fiddler and plays an integral part of the plot, always on stage in the middle of things and yet in an unassuming way.  The marriage scene is particularly memorable along with the dream scene as Fruma-Sarah (Amanda Langley) rises from the grave.  

Luke Berry’s choreography is exceptional with many full company musical numbers and the whole cast encompasses  the passion  and importance of dance to the villagers’, with special mention to the bottle dance.  Mike Wren has again succeeded,  as I might add he always does, in  bringing out the very best in the Company and his 11 piece orchestra to produce an excellent musical performance, very professional, with first class singing.

I have already mentioned the imaginative set and I also thought the way the cast moved the props in a totally choreographed way, was very effective. The costumes all added to complete the scene along with the lighting  complimenting the set to add feeling to the proceedings.

The imaginative direction by Sally made this show an absolute triumph with the whole cast and production team making this a very professional and enjoyable production, including a very  poignant touch at the very end, with the cast evacuating Anatevka some in modern day dress linking powerfully to the current situation in Ukraine. 

Catherine Dixey.  NODA East, District 12 Representative

 

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