Time-Honored Traditions

Fiddler on the Roof

We all could use an evening in the theatre to be entertained, inspired and to escape the merciless heat we’re currently experiencing. And given the current climate of this nation, both politically and meteorologically, a good production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is exactly what we need right now. And what we have at Music Theater Works is a great production, filled with new innovations and time-honored Traditions.

In a nutshell, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is the treasured and timeless tale of Tevye, a poor Russian Jewish dairyman and father (“I have five daughters!”), whose life revolves around trying to provide for his family, while staunchly upholding his cultural and religious traditions in an ever-changing world. If the play wasn’t set in a Ukrainian village at the beginning of the twentieth century, wouldn’t this sound much like our own lives today? With a superb script by Joseph Stein, magnificent music by Jerry Bock, with lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, the musical was adapted from the short stories of Sholem Aleichem. Since its 1964 Broadway premiere, the show has enjoyed many New York revivals and countless international incarnations, national tours, as well as academic, amateur and professional productions. The original presentation ranks as one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history and earned nine Tony Awards. The story’s filled with love, humor, truth and universal appeal. But it’s also about family, faith and plain folks making the best of what life throws at them and traditions. 

For audiences who are new to this musical, I envy you. You’re in for a real treat. And for the more seasoned theatergoer who knows this show like the back of your hand, you’ll be in for a pleasant surprise. Walter Stearns, one of Chicago’s most talented, thoughtful and experienced Directors, has injected lots of small changes and surprises into this show. Partnering with his husband, gifted Music Director Eugene Dizon, they both boast extensive and impressive resumes that include shows like Jeff Award-nominated and winning productions of JERSEY BOYS, THE PRODUCERS and RAGTIME, among many others. Together they’ve made this production look, sound and feel fresh, friendly and full of all the good feels, rather than an old chestnut that’s been around forever. This FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is as fresh and exciting as the day it was written.

One of the Director’s most clever innovations includes how he begins the production. In Mr. Stearns’ presentation, Tevye’s story is told as a flashback. When the musical commences, an entire town’s population seem to be packed up and moving from their village. As they stop to rest for the night by a campfire, Tevye begins explaining to the children the importance of their time-honored customs and conventions. He indicates that these “Traditions” are represented by a Fiddler, who’s perched high on the roof of a deserted house, and beautifully played by talented violinist, Emily Fischer. From Tevye’s lyrical explanation of Anatevka’s traditions, we revisit some of the highlights of his life, until we arrive back again at village’s forced exodus from their homeland.

There are countless other subtle differences in this production, like in the song, “Matchmaker, Matchmaker.” Theatergoers won’t see any mops sliding across the stage. Instead they’ll see three nervous young women contemplating the frightening husbands that Yente the Matchmaker might present them. Tevye and Golde share a much more caring moment during “Do You Love Me?” rather than the song provoking a surprising, short-lived instance of self discovery. But there are other classic moments in the musical that remain the same. Tevye takes a break delivering milk to imagine what it would be like to have a fortune, in “If I Were a Rich Man.” The Jewish men and the Russian soldiers both share a moment of inebriated choreographed camaraderie in “To Life.” A wedding celebration features both the old, time-honored traditional Bottle Dance, as well as introducing a new tradition of men and women dancing together. Walter Stearns’ delectable production, sporting crisply executed, classic Choreography by Marla Lampert, spotlights both elements of the old and new.

In Music Theater Works’ production, Sam Nachison doesn’t just play Tevye; he IS Tevye. Plenty of theatrical experience have added wisdom, maturity and empathy to the nuanced portrayal by this somewhat younger actor. Even when the focus is on the supporting characters, you find yourself checking in with the story’s wise, omniscient observer for Tevye’s reactions. Whether singing in his rich baritone voice or simply nodding his head or winking his eye at what’s going on around him, Mr. Nachison absolutely commands the stage.

The entire cast is equally accomplished and charismatic. An unbelievably talented ensemble, especially a corps of hardworking, masterful dancers, are just one more reason to see this production. The supporting cast of characters is another. They include, in memorable, supporting roles, Mitzi Smith as a formidable, wonderfully shrewish Golda; Madison Uphoff as her headstrong eldest daughter Tzeitel; Nathan Kabara as an apprehensive, meek, but loving, Motel the tailor; Elissa Newcorn, as feisty daughter Hodel, who breaks hearts with her gorgeous rendition of “Far From the Home I Love;” Madison Jaffe-Richter as rebellious middle daughter, Chava, who goes against her father’s wishes by loving a man outside her religion; both Aubrey and Adeline Rosenthal, as youngest daughters Shprintze and Bielke, who add so much to this story; Jacob  Simon as Perchik, a handsome idealistic teacher who charms Tevye’s entire family; and Sara Stern who plays the meddlesome Matchmaker Yente with canny comic styling and harnessed chutzpa. Each and every performer is honest, holds his own and makes this production simply sing.

Playing in Skokie for only two short weeks, Music Theater Works’ exquisite production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF will close before you know it. Do yourself a favor and pay a visit to Anatevka while you can. The show features a gorgeous 19-piece pit orchestra, skillfully Conducted by Valerie Gebert; a stunning stage setting by Bob Knuth; and dozens of colorful period Costumes by kClare McKellaston. Walter Stearns and Eugene Dizon’s charming production gives Chicagoland the opportunity to discover, or rediscover, this warm, wonderful story about family, friends and faith. The show comes at a time when we all need to be reminded of what’s important in life. And although lengthy, there’s no doubt that every audience member, regardless of age, gender, religion or nationality, will thoroughly enjoy this professional production that tells a tale of both old and new time-honored Traditions.          

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented August 7-17 by Music Theater Works at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 N. Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL.

Tickets are available at the theater box office, or by going to www.MusicTheaterWorks.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.