Fiddler on the Roof

Fiddler on the Roof - For one of the most evocative musicals ever written there was a warm welcome and a buzz of anticipation throughout the audience.

There was minimal scenery which was most effective. The cloths used as back drops were well stretched and unwrinkled – not an easy task, the back projections of scenes showing the seasons and the passing of time were effective. Scene changes were speedy and efficient by the cast.  The properties were well used, as the goblets appeared in nearly every scene, the cheese packets, Yente’s bundles, when she was leaving for the Holy Land were authentic. The stove gave the impression of warmth and comfort.  Lighting was most effective, as it focused the audience's attention on the areas that the Director wanted them to look at. The use of a spotlight for Tevye to talk to God worked well and the use of the colour palette also worked well to illustrate the mood of the scene.

The Villagers were all effectively costumed, the ladies in blouses, long skirts and aprons and later in shawls to show that the weather was becoming colder and the political situation for the Jews worsened. The men authentically had their heads covered and were wearing prayer shawls. My only comment would be about the footwear as Russian peasants would be likely to be wearing boots rather than black lace up Oxford shoes. It would have been nice if the daughters could’ve had new dresses for their Sister ‘s wedding.   Make up was subtle and suitable for each character. Most of the men had grown their own beards which were excellent.

The four piece band was excellent, especially the violinist who evoked the Russian peasant sound of the fiddle beautifully. The band was sympathetic to the sound levels on the stage, the singing was of a very high-quality, and the Chorus sang delightfully, with strong and secure harmonies. Congratulations must go to the Musical Director for achieving this level of performance.

All the Actors inhabited their roles well. The performances of Hodel, Yente and Laser Woolf were particularly noteworthy. Congratulations to the actor who stepped in at the last minute to cover the role of Mordcha as the actor playing him was indisposed.

The director had created some excellent visual pictures with her positioning of the actors and chorus. She had ensured that the inherent comedy and the creation of character with the principals was most effective. The simple choreography was well executed.

The choice of production suited this company very well.  The show was greatly appreciated by the audience.

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