BWW Reviews: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at the Walnut

Fiddler on the Roof is one of those shows that almost everyone has experienced as some point in their lives - be it the film or a production locally, in NYC or on the high school level. It is for this reason that I feel no need to summarize its plot. It is a great challenge to make such a classic show fresh. With the Walnut's current production, Bruce Lumpkin manages to do just that - balancing presenting the well-known, beloved material with thoughtful directorial choices.

The best example of this is the full integration of the fiddler into the play. As Tevye explains in his opening speech, "without tradition our lives are as shaky as the fiddler on the roof." In this production, the fiddler (Alexander Sovronsky) becomes a physical representation of Tevye's fears and a reminder of the importance of traditions. He is constantly observing, reminding us of the shaky balance between new and old ideas in this world. While Tevye often addresses the fiddler when making decisions in regards to his daughters, the figure is never acknowledged by any of the other characters. Lumpkin's choice both enhances the metaphor and the audience's understanding of Tevye's inner conflict between his desire for his daughters to be happy and his desire to follow tradition. 

Mark Jacoby's Tevye is perfection. His performance impeccably balances Tevye's moments of irreverent wit and the more serious dilemmas of a concerned father. The lines may be the same, but Jacoby delivers them with such real honesty and spot-on timing that they become new once again. Lumpkin's direction must be again praised here. It is obvious that he has reinvigorated the show, helping his actors to create well-rounded, real characters that feel appropriate both for the 1905 setting and the modern audience. Mary Martello's Golde is not just a bitter, nagging woman, but a wife fulfilling her role to the best of her ability and a mother who truly hopes to see her daughters well taken care of. It is impossible not to root for three oldest daughters (Rita Markova, Gianna Yanelli and Michaela Shuchman) and their beloveds (Marcus Stevens, Nick Dalton, and Christopher Brian Williams). While the entire cast is strong, two actors must be mentioned for their performances - scene-stealers Bill Van Horn (Lazar Wolf) and Denise Whelan (Yente) are simply wonderful.

The set for Fiddler, as designed by John Farrell, is skeletal, wooden and minimalist, but incredibly effective and beautiful. His work is enhanced by Jack Jacobs' highly naturalistic lighting design. Michelle Gaudette's choreography also adds to the beauty of the production, especially impressive in "To Life" and wedding bottle dance.

The Walnut's Fiddler on the Roof is a brilliant production of a classic musical that effectively finds harmony in maintaining tradition while making interesting, novel choices in order to strike a new chord with modern audiences.

Fiddler on the Roof plays at the Walnut Street Theatre now through July 18^th. For more information please see the official press release and photos.

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