BWW Reviews: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Brings Tradition to Merced

Great theatre is tradition in Merced, where Playhouse Merced just opened its 2014-2015 season with "Fiddler on the Roof," now in its 50th Anniversary. The classical musical has become a tradition of its own in theatres across the world.

RC Essig as Tevye leads a cast of more than 30 on the small Merced stage, espousing tradition and its merits among the peaceful people of Anatevka. (Of course, there was that time that one man sold another a horse, but delivered a mule. Hopefully it won't kick any heads in the mud.) Tevye and the others hold tightly to tradition while the world changes and their children make traditions of their own.

Essig brings a refreshing, relaxed and natural sensibility to Tevye, making his outburst of wishes for riches all the more enjoyable. As Golde, Tevye's strong-willed and quick-witted wife, Theresa Hong has the strongest accent of the cast. Others chime in with Jewish and Russian accents, and director Robert Hype's decision to pronounce some names differently adds a sense of authenticity. Hype's direction at times adds priceless new takes on key sequences such as Tevye's dream, but still grounding the production in traditional staging.

Vocally, the younger cast members show potential for much more than what the script allows. Tevye's eldest daughters, played by Melissa Beckwith, Stephanie Rogers and Katie Bordona, each possess beautiful voices, while the men they pair off with (Matt Capron, James McInture and Jeshamon Volkerts) get the stage time in songs like "Miracle of Miracles," "Now I Have Everything" and "To Life."

When Volkerts interrupts the engagement celebrations to sing his own congratulations, he makes an instant impression. Incredible Russian dancing follows and solidifies Volkerts as one of the strongest performers of the production. On opening night, he brought energy where needed. By closing, that energy should rub off on the timing and chemistry of the remaining talented cast.

Dennis Brown conducts the live orchestra, while Corey Strauss provides the perfect set design and Hypes sets the mood with beautiful lighting upon a cloudy sky background.

--

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
Through Sep 14
Playhouse Merced
www.playhousemerced.com

Follow all the latest Sacramento Theatre and Arts news and enter exclusive ticket contests on our new Sacramento Facebook Page. Click here to visit the page today!

Follow all the latest Bay Area Theatre and Arts news and enter exclusive ticket contests on our San Francisco Facebook Page. Click here to visit the page today!

Follow Harmony Wheeler's theatre adventures on Instagram and Twitter @HarmonyWheeler.

To post a comment, you must register and login.