*** Recommended Fiddler on the Roof is often called a ‘timeless classic.’ That means audiences expect to see/hear the musical they remember. Drury Lane’s new, somewhat reimagined Fiddler is NOT the musical anyone remembers. Although you’ll hear the same music and see the same characters, you won’t see a fiddler, or a roof, for that matter. In fact, there are no props at all! My friend Nancy liked this Fiddler, I’m not so sure. 3 Spotlights
The original Fiddler on the Roof, starring Zero Mostel, premiered in 1964, winning nine Tony awards and running for more than ten years. Mostel returned to the role in a 1976 revival.
According to Director, Elizabeth Margolius, “This new, evocative approach to Fiddler on the Roof puts the focus on the people in hopes of illuminating this story as never before and inspiring us to question who we are and what we will leave behind for future generations.” Apparently she puts the focus on the people by eliminating props and scenery. While the costumes are appropriate for 1905, the video screens with oversized projections of the faces of certain people – Golda’s grandmother, for one – just didn’t fit.
The show opens with a spotlight on Tevye (Mark David Kaplan), a simple Jewish milkman who lives with his wife and five daughters in a small Russian village, Anatevka. Tevye tries to explain Jewish customs with a song called Tradition.
Tevye might think he rules his household, but his wife Golda (Janna Cardia) actually runs things. He dotes on his five daughters, Tzeitel (Emma Rosenthal), Hodel (Yael Eden Chanukov), Chava (Abby Goldberg), Schprintze (Lea Grace Biwer) and Bielka (Estella McCarthy Schultz).
When Yente (Janet Ulrich Brooks), the matchmaker, tells Golda she’s arranged a match for Tzeitel, Golda is delighted. She sends Tevye to meet with Tzeitel’s suitor, and Lazar Wolf (Joel Gelman), Anatevka’s Butcher. Although Tevye doesn’t like Wolf, he does consent to the match, and the two get drunk together, singing To Life.
Tzeitel refuses to marry the butcher, telling Tevye she’s in love with Motel the Tailor (Michael Kurowski). Worried about Golda’s reaction, Tevye comes up with a brilliant scheme, The Dream, in which Grandma Tzeitzel (Susan Hofflander) is positive Tzeitzel should marry Motel.
When Hodel falls in love with Perchik the Student/Agitator (Zach Sorrow), who’s returning to Kiev, Tevye tries to be tough, but ultimately gives in. He’s not so reasonable with Chava. When she falls in love with a Cossack, Fyedka (Grant Kilian) and marries outside her faith, he disowns her.
Fiddler’s wonderful family story is interrupted when the Constable (Jeff Parker) delivers the order for the Jews to leave Anatevka. Three days later, everyone is leaving. Hodel has already gone to Siberia to join Perchik in a labor camp; and Tzeitel and Motel are going to Prague. Tevye and Golda are going to America with Schprintze and Bielka. Although Chava and Fyedka could stay, they too decide to leave.
Also appearing: Fruma-Sarah (Dara Cameron), Nachum/Yassel (Thomas J. Cox), Mordcha (Karl Hamilton), Avram (Hathan Kabara), Rabbi (Bill McGough), Sasha (Jordan Radis), Shaindel (Mitzi Smith) and Mendel (Sam Shankman).
The Ensemble includes Daniel Hurst, Dani Johns, Will Leonard, Jessica Deahr Neville, Jordan Radis, Elizabeth Romero, Jacob Simon, Mitzi Smith and Jodi Snyder.
The Drury Lane Orchestra: Chris Sargent (Conductor/Keyboard 1), Karl Montzka (Assistant Conductor/Keyboard 2), Larry Kohut (Bass), Vance Okraszewski (Percussion), Heather Boehm (Violin, Viola), David Orlicz (Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Baritone Saxophone), Jim Gailloreto (Flute, Alto Flute, English Horn) and Carey Deadman (Trumpet, Flugelhorn).
Fiddler on the Roof runs through March 24th at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Parking is free. Running time is two hours, 40 minutes, with an intermission. Performances are Wednesdays at 1:30 pm; Thursdays at 1:30 & 7:00 pm; Fridays at 7:00 pm; Saturdays at 3:00 and 8:00 pm; Sundays at 2:00 & 6:00 pm. Tickets range from $85.75-$96.25. FYI (630) 530-0111 or www.drurylanetheatre.com.