BWW Reviews: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at the White Theatre

The White Theatre inside the Jewish Community Center in Overland Park, Kansas presents Fiddler on the Roof through November 23. Steven Eubank directs the classic musical, with musical direction by Daniel Doss. This is the second production Eubank has directed for the theater. Doss has been involved in over 50 musicals in the Kansas City area.

The White Theatre production of Fiddler on the Roof is one of the best that I have had the privilege to see at the theater. Theater audiences have come to expect high quality productions from the White Theatre and Fiddler on the Roof does not disappoint. From the marvelous scenic design by Jeff Eubank, the costume designs by Julia Ras, to the choreography by Phillip Vitug all aspects of the show transport the audience to 1905 Russia.

Fiddler on the Roof with music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and book by Joseph Stein opened on Broadway in 1964. The incomparable Zero Mostel starred as Tevye the milkman in the production that ran a record-setting 3,242 performances. The Broadway production won the Tony Award for Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Book among six others. Fiddler has seen four revivals on Broadway with a fifth planned for 2015.

Tevye is a milkman and father of five daughters who is attempting to maintain the Jewish tradition and family. His oldest daughter breaks tradition by choosing her own husband, after her father had promised her hand in marriage to the butcher. Hodel and Chava both strong-willed daughters move further from tradition with their choice of husbands. In case that is not enough, the Tsar is forcing the Jews from their village.

Rick Singers is magnificent as Tevye the milkman and bewildered father. He gives a powerful performance with a deep voice reminiscent of Mostel. He has previously appeared with Theatre in the Park, the Leawood Stage Company, Culture House, Trilogy, and the Tall Grass Theatre Company.

The performance of the daughters played by Alexandra Addington as Tzeitel, Courtney Koval as Hodel, Giana Epps as Chava, Ella Graham as Shprintze, and Elise Bowles as Bielke is a fantastic blend of vocal talent. Individually each of the five actors have wonderful voices, but mix them together for one of the finest blending of vocals to appear on a Kansas City stage.

Irene Blend does an outstanding job as Yente the matchmaker. She adds a mixture of laughter to the wonderful production with her facial expressions and body language. This is her 11th show at the Jewish Community Center dating back to productions performed in the Social Hall. She last appeared at the Olathe Civic Theatre Association in Over the River and Through the Woods.

A spectacular orchestra conducted by Musical Director Doss supports the cast. Members of the orchestra are Greg Neteler on keyboard, Bryan Bailey on bass, Leda Hamler on cello, Nick Yoder on guitar and mandolin, Ron Ernst on percussion, Julie Weber on flute, Debbie Allen on clarinet, Steve Constance on trombone, Paul Cornelsen on trumpet and a fabulous performance by Marcus Dowty on violin.

Fiddler on the Roof continues at the White Theatre through November 23. This timeless classic is one that should not be missed. Purchase tickets by calling the box office at 913-327-8054 or by visiting the White Theatre website. Photo by Bob Compton courtesy of the White Theatre.

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