Fiddler on the Roof

A real classic and a favourite in musical theatre.  Stowmarket have produced it several times in past years and some of the cast had also performed this show before either with Stowmarket or other groups, so there were lots of experienced actors on stage.

The stage had been set with a very effective projected landscape to the back centre of the stage with different lighting depicting the time of day. To the sides of the stage were the villager’s houses and in one scene a lovely atmosphere of calm and unity had been created as the lights gradually went down, the villagers come on  with their candles and sat outside their houses for the song ‘Sabbath Prayer’  All the costumes added well to create the feel of the show including the authentic men’s prayer shawls which had been made by the cast and the all so essential cart looked perfectly in proportion.

Chris Fryer was cast in the lead as Tevye. He was absolutely perfect as father to all his daughters, with the hard life he had led to support them and his worries of getting them all married off. He brought light and shade, humour and despair to his role.  Unexpectedly and in a unique way, the Director Lynda, had used the Fiddler to follow Tevye around, almost as his conscience as he had his conversations with God. Tory Bolger beautifully and skillfully played The Fiddler as she silently interacted with him with expressive facial gestures and in a graceful balletic manner. Tevye’s long suffering wife Golde was played by Karen Long, she gave a very believable and memorable performance with some poignant moments together, their partnership worked well. Tevye, had numerous songs but they both performed their musical numbers superbly.  

The two eldest daughters Tzeitel (Robyn Painter) and Hodel (Rosa Ledden) along with their respective husbands Motel (Joe Marsh) & Perchik (Johnny Ellis) were also very impressive and compelling characters.  Kara Burgess played Chava, who ran away with Fyedka (Ben Spilling), defying tradition, whilst the two youngest daughters Sphrintze and Bielke were played  by Caitlyn Johnson and Ruby Eggleston.  Emma Marsh was Yente, the matchmaker who was delightfully comical, always scheming to find husbands for all the daughters in the village, whilst preserving her position of importance within the community. Other notable supporting characters were Lazar Wolf played by Phil Kemp, Mordcha (James Hayward)  the Rabbi (Paul Hayward) and Mendel (Ethan Eggleston).  The ensemble's energy and enthusiasm strongly supported the production. Michelle Holden's portrayal of Fruma-Sarah presented a very effective and quite startling dream scene along with the specially constructed, spectacular, giant sized Fruma-Sarah effigy.

Unfortunately, with the size of the stage these days and with a large cast it was not possible to accommodate a band but despite that, all the musical numbers were well performed with some good harmonies against the full orchestral backing tracks, with lots of encouragement from Sue, the MD.  Marie had created many well-choreographed dances including the energetic ‘Russian’ dance at the Inn and an extremely accomplished bottle dance. Well done to all the boys for your determination to perform it unaided.

Congratulations should go to Lynda and all her cast and crew in their dedication in producing a highly enjoyable and evocative production played to a very appreciative full house.

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