BWW Reviews: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF - A 'Tradition' With Lots of Heart

BWW REVIEWS: "FIDDLER ON THE ROOF" - A "TRADITION" WITH LOTS OF HEART

Book by Joseph Stein, (adapted from the stories by Sholom Aleichem)

Music by Jerry Bock

Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick

Directed by Vince Vanni

Choreography by L.A. Chiucchi Dysart

Musical Direction by Randi Hoidalen Olsen

October 18, 2013 at 7:30 P.M.

The lights dim in the cavernous hall, and the faint sound of a violin begins. Atop a thatched roof, is the vision of a Fiddler and then...the room becomes suddenly alive, in a grand opening, with the robust voices of over 50 peasant, villagers, singing "TRADITION!..TRADITION!" And thus begins an enthusiastic and heartfelt rendition, of the classic American musical, "FIDDLER on the ROOF", presented by the Live Oak Theatre Company, in Brooksville, FL.

The original Broadway production of the show, directed by Jerome Robbins, opened in 1964 and was the first musical in musical theatre history, to surpass 3,000 performances. "FIDDLER on the ROOF", held the record for the longest-running Broadway musical for almost 10 years and remains Broadway's 16th longest-running show in history. It was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, winning 9, including Best Musical, score, book, direction and choreography. In 1972, "FIDDLER on the ROOF" was presented with a special Tony award for "Longest-running Musical in Broadway History." There have been 4 Broadway revivals, and in 1971, a highly successful film adaptation as well, winning 3 Academy Awards.

People can still relate to the storyline today, during these changing times (after almost 50 years), as it reveals serious social and economic issues, including poverty, the challenges of the working poor, and anti-Semitism.

"FIDDLER on the ROOF", is set in 1905, Tzarist Russia, in the little, peasant, village of Anetevka. The story revolves around Tevye, a poor dairyman and father of 5 daughters. Tevye struggles with the challenge of his love and dedication to his family and his love and dedication to Jewish traditions. The songs are as well-known as the play, "Tradition," "Matchmaker, Matchmaker," "If I Were a Rich Man," "Sunrise, Sunset", and have become popular standards.

The Live Oak Theatre Company promised a "unique experience" with this production and has delivered it in spades! This production is a showcase, for what a group of volunteers can accomplish with talent, hard work, and ingenuity. There is no stage. The performance is on floor level, in the center of the room, with the audience seated at large tables on 3 sides of the playing area. There are no sets, except for a thatched roof above the orchestra. Set pieces are used to convey each scene, (a chair, a table, a bed etc.) There are a few stage lights mounted on tall, steel poles. In addition, there is interaction and some audience participation. This is something that I have never experienced before with any production of "FIDDLER on the ROOF"...anywhere. And the eager, "willing" audience loved it! This production is by far, Live Oaks very best!

Kudos to Vince Vanni, who has not only taken on the enormous responsibility in the role of Tevye, but as Director as well. Mr. Vanni proves to be a "sturdy" papa, underplaying the role, which in turn brings more honesty and sincerity to his "gentler" portrayal. Vanni's talents vividly display Tevye's joy, pain and struggles, so common to us all. Myndee Fleury Washington, as his wife Golde, gave a feisty performance, wisely avoiding what could be easily interpreted as "shrewish" dialogue. Instead, Ms. Fleury Washington balances the perfect combination of vibrant authority and tenderness. Vanni and Fleury Washington have great chemistry, especially in an audience favorite, the touching, "Do You Love Me?". Their answer to this question is unspoken, yet very clear. ("YES, they do".)

Nicole Natoli as Tzeitel, is as "feisty" as her Mama, in her portrayal of the eldest daughter. Newcomer, Esprit Tafelski, is a lovely Hodel, with an equally lovely voice. A unique casting choice, Monalisa Patterson as Chava, brought great emotion to her role. The youngest daughters, Holly Frendberg as Shprintze and Mary Babione as Bielke, were appropriately sweet and perky.

Another unique casting choice was Jason McMahan, as Motel, the tailor, who gave a committed performance, as well as having a good voice. Handsome Jesse Balogh as Perchik, the revolutionary from Kiev, added just the right touch of romance to the production , while also having a good singing voice. In the challenging role as the non-Jew Fyedka, Kody Hennequinn brings a wealth of charm to his role, rather than the "smarmy-ness" that could easily be played.

Carolina Coulon plays a quirky Yente, the matchmaker, Matt Veasey gives a fine performance as the wealthy butcher, Lazar Wolf, Erik Chirkoff, is perfectly cast, as the intimidating Constable, and Randi Hoidalen Olsen (who also served as Musical Director), simply mesmerized the audience, as the flying spirit of Fruma-Sarah.

Rounding out the cast were, David Steadman as the Rabbi, John Cleveland as Mordcha, Keith Meccia as Mendel, Richard Crawford as Avram, Anne Sanborn as Shandel, and Dakota Ruiz as the Fiddler.

There are standout performances throughout the large cast. Special mention must be given to Victoria Razzano's lovely, perfectly clear voice, in a memorable performance as Grandma Tzeitel. In addition, as the Russian Tenor, silken voiced, Terry K. Edwards was outstanding and the shining dance talents of Erik Lee Troche, stopped the show. (with choreography by L.A. Chiucchi Dysart).

The large ensemble of all ages, were full of enthusiasm and full of energy, as they romped across the stage and sang with their hearts out loud.

The live orchestra under the direction of Randi Hoidalen Olsen with Ashley McCall at the piano, hits all the right notes. How wonderful to have a LIVE orchestra in these challenging economic times. A real PLUS to this production! The set design by Radar Hoidelen and the lighting design by Ron Dykes was simple and effective. The costume design by Myndee Fleury Washington was plentiful and appropriately period. Stage Manager, Vanessa Moore kept the show moving smoothly.

Naturally, on opening night, there were a few missed lines, a few wrong notes, a few missed cues, but nothing of concern. I am certain that it will all be worked out for the upcoming weekend of performances. One thing for sure, is the cast had a great deal of fun and so did the audience and there were cheers and a standing ovation by all.

Live Oak Theatre Company's , is a community group whose goal is to come together and provide the audience with an interactive experience. They are committed to family-friendly entertainment to the community and committed to providing a positive experience for kids to work alongside adults as mentors." AND that is exactly what they achieved in this heartfelt production of "FIDDLER on the ROOF".

Please support Community Theatre and all of the volunteers, that put in endless time and talent, to make the magic happen, simply... "for the LOVE of the theatre".

GO SEE IT! - "You'll be humming the songs all the way home".

"FIDDLER ON THE ROOF"" runs October 18th - 27th, 2013. Ticket Prices are $18 or two for $35; tickets for ages 13 and younger are $5 with purchase of an adult ticket. Special group price Oct. 27 for seniors, $15 with a minimum purchase of one table (eight tickets). All tickets include coffee, tea and dessert. The production is performed at Faith Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 200 Mount Fair Ave., Brooksville. For information and tickets: Call the box office at (352) 593-0027 or visit liveoaktheatre.org.

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