I have long adored "Fiddler On The Roof." Over the years, I have seen many versions and productions of the beloved musical. So, I was thrilled to learn that New Rep would be including this classic in its 2016-2017 season with the theme "What's Past Is Prologue." Opening night of this production did not disappoint. It is a wonderful adaptation of the classic Sholem Aleichem tale of the impoverished milkman, Tevye.
The set utilizes an open concept on the large Arsenal Charles Mosesian Theater stage, with a design by Stephen Dobay that features a backdrop reminiscent of a Ukrainian forest. Lighting is by Keith Parham, Costumes by Kathleen Doyle, Choreography by Kelli Edwards and Musical Direction by F. Wade Russo.
Director Austin Pendleton brings a rich history with him to this production, for he played Motel the Tailor in the original Broadway version. He has assembled an excellent ensemble and cast of principals.
- Every production of "Fiddler" rises and falls on the quality of its Tevye. Jeremiah Kissel comes to the role with a strong track record, and he certainly has the singing and acting chops to nail this role. For the most part he does that, although I must admit that it took me a little while to warm to his interpretation. I found his Tevye to be more hard-edged than most Tevyes I have come to identify with. He also seems to rely on gratuitous gesticulation, using some gestures to excess. But these are minor quibbles, for he presents a very credible beleaguered and impoverished milkman. The highlights of his performance include the dream sequence, his poignant lament over losing his daughter Chava, and his duet with Golde, "Do You Love Me?"
 |
| Jeremiah Kissel as Tevye "Fiddler On The Roof" New Rep Charles Mosesian Theater Through January 1st Photo by Andrew Brilliant/Brilliant Pictures |
- Amelia Broom as Golde is a wonderful yin to Kissel's yang. She is a tough taskmaster to her five daughters and longsuffering companion to Tevye: "You could die from such a man!" She shines in the aforementioned duet, the dream sequence, "Sunrise, Sunset," and "Sabbath Prayer."
 |
Dashiell Evett as Fiddler
Amelia Broome as Golde
Bobbie Steinbach as Yente
"Fiddler On The Roof"
New Rep
Charles Mosesian Theater
Through January 1st
Photo by Andrew Brilliant/Brilliant Pictures
|
- Bobbie Steinbach is a Yente for the ages. She embodies the forces in Anatevka determined to hang onto tradition at all costs. Her quips are always comical and poignant, and she leads the way in the music number "The Rumor." This versatile actor was born to play this role. Right? Of course right!
- Abby Goldfarb is eldest daughter Tzeitel. She is wonderful in "Matchmaker, Matchmaker," along with Sarah Oakes Muirhead as Hodel and Victoria Britt as Chava. This song is always a highlight, and these three women nailed it. This song was one of many high point in this production.
 |
| Abby Goldfarb as Tzeitel Sarah Oakes Muirhead as Hodel Victoria Britt as Chava "Fiddler On The Roof" New Rep Charles Mosesian Theater Through January 1st Photo by Andrew Brilliant/Brilliant Pictures |
- Patrick Varner plays Motel the Tailor, whose marriage to Tzeitel begins the insidious process of unraveling traditions in the shtetl. It is clear that Director Pendleton must have spent a great deal of time imparting deep knowledge about Motel to Mr. Varner, for his grasp of this role is the best I have ever witnessed among the many dozens of "Fiddler On The Roof" performances I have attended or performed in. I do not recall ever before being moved to tears during the singing of "Miracle of Miracles," but the tears flowed last evening. Varner's potrayal of the arc of Motel's character from nebish to courageous and self-confident mensch is palpable and impressive.
- Ryan Mardesich is wonderful as Perchik, the revolutionary and self-assured student from Kiev who woos and wins the hand of Hodel. He shines when he proposes to Hodel discussing the "political question of marriage," and then launches into an impressive rendition of "Now I Have Everything."
- Dan Prior brings his accustomed excellence to the role of the Russian soldier Fyedka. He convinces Chava to marry outside of her faith, and Tevye's biggest crisis ensues. Mr. Prior gets to show off his soaring tenor voice during the rollicking ensemble number "To Life."
- David Wohl is perfectly cast as Lazar Wolf, the rich butcher whose arranged marriage to Tzeitel is scuttled by the young woman's refusal to marry without love. He and Mr. Kissel lead the charge is the rousing "To Life."
- Special note must be given to the excellent Bottle Dancers from the wedding reception scene. They are Adam Lokken Barrameda, Leo Galletto, Ricardo D. Holguin, and Ben Salus.
- The Russian Dancers were also excellent in the "To Life" scene: Jared Reinfeldt and Dylan C. Wack.
- Also of note are Gabriela Ettinger as Shprintze, Carly Williams as Bielke, Dashiell Evett as the Fiddler, Gabriel Graetz as Mordcha the Innkeeper, Bo Krucik as Nachum the beggar, Robert Orzalli as the Rabbi, Eli Raskin as the Constable, Alyssa Rae Surrette as Fruma-Sarah, and Jocelyn Weiss as Grandma Tzeitel.
- Additional ensemble members are Seamus Doyle and Samuel L. Warton.
 |
Cast
"Fiddler On The Roof"
New Rep
Charles Mosesian Theater
Through January 1st
Photo by Andrew Brilliant/Brilliant Pictures
|
If I have any fault to find with this fine production, it would be with the final scene in Act One. When the Constable and his minions crash Tzeitel and Motel's wedding reception, the usual sense of fear, hatred and violence that needs to characterize this scene was missing. There was no passion in the turning over of tables and the smashing of wedding gifts. There were no goose feathers flying. So when Tevye rallies the troops with the line "Let's clean up," there was not much chaos to be undone. But like the Good Book says: "That is a minor flaw in an otherwise excellent production."
New Rep Website
Enjoy!
Al
No comments:
Post a Comment