BWW Reviews: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Arena Stage - The Tradition Lives On

What a thrill it was to be able to see this show in the round at Arena Stage's iconic Fichhandler four sided auditorium and to be able to observe the smiles and happiness on the face of Sheldon Harnick, the 90 year lyricist for FIDDLER ON THE ROOF who prior to the performance received the "American Artist Award" from the Arena Stage "in recognition of his exemplary career and significant contribution to the American theater." The opening night audience gave him a standing ovation when Arena Stage Artistic Director introduced him at the end of the performance. He commented, "I only wish that Joseph Stein (book), Jerry Bock (music) and Jerome Robbins (original choreography) could have been alive to see this wonderful production."

Harnick was spot on because this is in fact a wonderful production. While not flawless, Molly Smith has directed with panache and assembled a talented cast that will entertain those new to FIDDLER as well as those who have seen it before, know the music and the gorgeous melodies and the incredible lyrics. So many of the songs have become part of the American songbook...songs like "Tradition", "Sunrise, Sunset", "If I Were a Rich Man", and "To Life".

FIDDLER is based on the stories of "Tevye the Dairyman" by Sholem Aleichem ( a pseudonym for Sholem Rabinovitz, which by coincidence was the original last name of FIDDLER'S famed Director and Choreographer Jerome Robbins). It concerns the trials of tribulations of Tevye (Jonathan Hadary), his wife Golde (Ann Arvia) and his five daughters, Tzeitel (Dorea Schmidt), Hodel (Hannah Corneau), Chava (Maria Rizzo), Shprintze (Shayna Blass), and Bielke (Maya Brettell) living in 1905 Russia in a village called Anatevka. Tevye talks to God about the problems of his horse who is constantly having problems causing Tevye to pull his milk cart, plans to find a husband for his eldest daughter, but hopes to keep his Jewish traditions alive and well at the same time. But the world is changing, young people are changing (choosing their own spouses???), and the village Constable is getting orders from Moscow on how to deal with the "Jewish" problem.

What stands out in this production is the dancing, based on the original Robbins' choreography adapted and restaged by the incomparable Parker Esse who gets a gold medal for his marvelous work. All of the big production numbers just shine. There is a lot of foot stomping, circle dances like the Hora, and yes, there are four "bottle dancers" who get a great ovation during the wedding scene.

There is so much to applaud. There is the simple but effective set design by Todd Rosenthal who uses a wooden deck on stage and a spiral of wooden planks above the stage (where Alex Alferov opens the show as the "Fiddler") and a clever stone staircase leading below. Paul Tazewell (costume designer) uses earth tones for the villagers and wait till you see Yente, (Valerie Leonard) the Matchmaker's gorgeous black dress, shawl, and lace gloves. What a stand-out! And the hat of the Rabbi worn by Joe Peck looks authentic. Colin K. Bills lights the stage with beautiful hues and adds to the emotion of the play, and thanks to Lindsay Jones (Sound Design) one can hear every one of Harnick's lyrics. The talented Chris Sizemore plays the evil Constable and Tracy Lynn Olivera never disappoints in her roles of Fruma Sarah and Rivka.

Playing the leading role of Tevye is Broadway veteran Jonathan Hadary. The Tony-nominated Hadary is an accomplished actor and it is a curious choice by Smith. Many will applaud his different take as Tevye. Hadary in no way will remind you of Zero Mostel (original Broadway cast) or Topol (film). Both of these actors are "big" and "bombastic". Hadary is not. But he does carry the show with his own "Tevye" who is much more mild and easy-going. Some will like it and I bet some will not. I thoroughly enjoyed his version of "If I Were A Rich Man" and his marvelous duet with Arvia in "Do You Love Me".

The fabulous 11 piece orchestra is hidden under the stage under the expert baton of Paul Sportelli. Rita Eggert is on the clarinet where she shines during the beginning of "Sabbath Prayer". Steven Walker adds much with his lovely work on the Mandolin. And what a job Alex Alferov does as the "fiddler".

You will mouth the words to "Matchmaker" as Schmidt, Corneau, and Rizzo who give such great energy to this wonderful number. You may cry during "Sunrise, Sunset" especially if you have children. You will be shocked and amazed at the clever staging of "The Dream" where Tevye tells his wife that Lazar Wolf (the booming voice of Erick Devine) shouldn't marry their daughter. I refuse to reveal the surprise. The three suitors for Tevye's daughters all perform well, Perchik the student (Michael Vitaly Sazonov), Motel the tailor (Joshua Morgan), and Kurt Boehm as Fyedka the Russian.

One thing that I did not understand was the use of accents of some of the actors. One sounded like an Irish accent. I truly don't believe accents are even necessary.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF has been extended to January 11 and I'm sure tickets will become hard to get...so act fast. It has become the highest grossing production in Arena Stage's 65 year old history. Bring the whole family. Call 202-488-3300 or visit www.arenastage.org. What a nice way to celebrate FIDDLER's 50th anniversary!

THIS AND THAT

I recently read Alisa Solomon's "Wonder of Wonders: A Cultural History of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF". It's a must read for any FIDDLER fan. You will learn that over 250,000 attended Shalom Aleichem's funeral in New York City. That Robbins traveled to Russia and the hometown of his family. To view Chassidic wedding dances, he used Kosher caterers to let him in to observe. The fights he had with Zero Mostel were many. Solomon traces FIDDLER from Russia to Broadway, to the film, to a fascinating story about a high school production in New York. You can meet Solomon after the December 9 performance when she will discuss her book and the production. She will also sign copies of her book which is available at the theater gift shop.

Here is the link to a wonderful interview of her on the television program "Theater Talk". http://theatertalk.org/alisa-solomon-on-wonder-of-wonders-a-cultural-history-of-fiddler-on-the-roof-%E2%80%A2-sep-19-22-on-thirteen-and-cuny/.

I recently heard that FIDDLER will be returning to Broadway in 2015. It will be directed by Bartlett Sher and star Danny Burstein as "Tevye". I just saw Burstein in CABARET on Broadway and loved him in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE. He should be fantastic.

Saw the reviews of SIDE SHOW on Broadway which I loved at the Kennedy Center. New York Times raved. It's playing at the St. James Theater, the same theater featured in the new Michael Keaton film "Birdland" which I highly recommend. Some interesting takes on backstage in the theater.

On my recent trip to New York, enjoyed both CABARET and ALADDIN. While we missed Tony winner James Monroe Iglehart as the "Genie" we thoroughly enjoyed his standy Michael James Scott who was superb. I remember Scott from his days at MAMMA MIA!

In the Washington Post's "KidsPost" on Nov. 18, they profile the Northern Virginia Players' production of FIDDLER. performed by youngsters 7-18 at Lorton Moose Lodge, 9612 Fernedge Lane, Lorton, Virginia, Friday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday Nov. 22 at 5 p.m. For information, call 703-866-3546 or visit www.nvplayers.com.

We are being blessed with so many musicals in local theaters. There's been ELMER GANTRY at Signature and DINER on deck, NEXT TO NORMAL at Center Stage, LITTLE DANCER at the Kennedy Center, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAST coming to the Kennedy Center, PIPPIN coming to the National, NEWSIES coming to the Hippodrome, and LITTLE MERMAID at the Olney Theatre Center.

And opening at Arena Stage this week is FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE (which I loved on Broadway). You can make it a double-header, seeing FIDDLER in the afteroon and FIVE GUYS at night!

DVR alert: The hit musical CATS on PBS' Great Performances Friday night, Nov. 21 at 9 p.m. and PETER PAN (Live) on NBC Dec. 4. This stars Allison Williams (a star of HBO's "Girls" and daughter of NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams) as Peter Pan and Christopher Walken as Captain Hook.

On Sunday's CBS" "60 Minutes" there was a nice interview with Mandy Patinkin. Did you know he was an avid train collector?

For a lovely meal prior to your show at Arena, try Masala Art Indian Restaurant, 1101 4thStreet SW. 2002-554-1101 or next door, Station 4, 202-488-0987. Both offer three course dinners for $35.

cgshubow@broadwayworld.com

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