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Fiddler on the Roof

Author: Anne Lawson

Information

Date
27th June 2015
Society
Stonegate Amateur Dramatic Society
Venue
Wadhurst Commemoration Hall
Type of Production
Musical
Director
Sarah Gibbs/Susan Bowie
Musical Director
Robin Hare
Choreographer
Katie Dahlstedt

Set in the small village of Anatevka in 1905 during the period of the Russian Revolution when big changes were happening.  A  poignant story of how these changes, both political and of tradition effect a poor Jewish milkman Tevye, wife Golde and his five daughters.  This is a popular musical with the book written by Joseph Stein, music from Jerry Block and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. Please don’t think I’ve used the incorrect venue but with a cast of 52 and an orchestra of 10 the company moved temporarily to Wadhurst! Steve Evans was strategically placed meeting and greeting and checking tickets. Inside I was warmly greeted by Susan Bowie with programmes at the ready.  The hall was beautifully set out with angled tables and laid up for afternoon tea.  In true SADS tradition – huge attention to detail. News that the group, since its formation in 2002 had so far donated £105,000 to charity! A very nicely set out programme, mainly black/grey/white with a coloured front cover.  The use of silhouettes effective, depicting the fiddler plus buildings - Russian dolls and a double page of framed, named cast photos. Clear information throughout with NODA crest on front cover. Open set dressed by seven large birch trees and a blue backdrop with side front scenery devised by Anne Everall.  Good movement of large furniture props created the various scenes for example Tevye’s milk cart, Motel’s tailoring shop complete with the’ new arrival’ which of course was the sewing machine, a table with candles for the Sabbath Prayer in  Tevye’s house, also a bed cleverly brought forward for the bedroom scene, tavern items for the Inn etc. Also impressive was the roof extension from the balcony at the rear of the hall where the young talented fiddler James Delaney performed his plaintive piece on opening.  Plenty of personal props were gathered by Nicola Dealtry. The excellent ten piece orchestra was under the baton of experienced Robin Hare.  With the musicians directly to my right, never once did they overshadow script or lyrics. Jane Spurr on keyboards was also rehearsal pianist, whilst vocal coach was Kate Welch. A mammoth task taken on by Nicole Dealtry providing such superb costumes from peasant ensemble to characters like Fruma-Sarah, and Grandma Tzeitel, Yente, all the Jewish finishing touches – tzitzis and yarmulkes, wedding finery, the Constable and his men, the bottle dancers etc. Wonderful accessories, good boots and headgear.  The men made a sterling effort in growing their own beards – this all makes such a difference to a polished production.  Really good use of colour changes of the backdrop giving depth. Although a poignant piece there are some comical and happy sections so the introduction of some colour just lifts it. John Bush in charge of lighting, once more worked his magic, whilst Garry Bodenham, Sound Engineer provided us with noise cues.   How do you keep up this tremendous standard? It obviously comes from the top.  Susan and Sarah plus production team and supporters, be they back stage or performing there was undoubtedly 100% commitment - result, a well executed production. I was wondering about the entrances for ‘Tradition’ – this was precision, with thoughtful grouping and movement. Katie Dahlstedt with her choreography expertise added very interesting movement and to the boys of the bottle dance congratulations – not a drop spilled! Solos and duets came across well, characterisations solid from both younger members and those more experienced.  Ensemble singing was strong with movement crisp and accurate.  There were some comical moments and asides. With such a large cast I will only single out Ralph Miller who played the difficult role of Tevye, ably supported by Kate Welch as his wife Golde with congratulations to each and every one who took part. A most enjoyable afternoon tea was prepared and served by the catering team during the interval.

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