Fiddler on the Roof
Before Les Misérables, Phantom, Chicago or Lion King, Fiddler on the Roof was the longest running musical on Broadway, clocking up 3,242 performances. The 1971 movie adaptation received nine Academy Award nominations, winning three. Israeli actor Chaim Topol (still only in his mid-thirties) became a household name as the 'people's Tevye'. This production is dedicated to both Topol and lyricist Sheldon Harnick who passed away this year in March (aged 87), and June (aged 99) respectively.
After numerous setbacks due to Covid, and more than 120 people signing up to audition, directors Adrian Glaubert and Sarah Cossey Glaubert (assisted by Tammy Cohen) decided to double cast the show to provide as many people the opportunity to perform. MLOC's Fiddler is unique in that over 60% the cast are of Jewish descent and thus have a personal connection to the material. Much consultation has been done to ensure that this production is authentic, and that it accurately reflects the people it depicts.
The simple, yet clever set design by the Glauberts includes a set of four timber walls that are maneuvered around the stage to depict various localities, including Tevye's house, Motel's tailor shop, the village square, the synagogue, the train station, the wedding banquet, the dream sequences and many exterior locations. One prop of immense interest is Tevye's milk wagon (co-owned by Director Adrian Glaubert) that was used in the 2006 Australian production of Fiddler by Topol himself.
Stunning digital landscapes enhance the staging immensely, providing an immersive experience for the audience. During the singing of 'Anatevka' a collection of historically significant B&W photos featuring Jewish families adds a deep emotional element. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house!
The directors’ decision to use 'aisle staging' is brilliant! The actors performing in the aisles blurs the boundaries between the stage and audience creating an immersive and interactive experience.
Costumes designed by Debbie Jenkins were accurately researched. These included traditional Jewish clothing, Russian peasant clothing, wedding attire and military uniforms of the era. The Lehenda Ukrainian dance company provided their own authentic costumes. Zara Phillips-Mason's meticulous wig design and construction was especially noted in 'Tevye's dream' featuring the absurd and eccentric (big wigged characters) of Fruma Sara and Grandma Tzeitel.
Co-choreographers Bridie Clark and Sarah Cossey Glaubert have excelled themselves, creating breathtaking moments of pure bliss! The atmosphere during the dance numbers 'Tradition', 'To Life' and 'The Wedding Celebration and Bottle Dance' was electric! The choreography for 'Matchmaker' was both playful and energetic whilst the 'Chava Ballet Sequence' was a captivating blend of classical ballet techniques and folk dance elements. The visually stunning 'Tevye's Dream' was a logistical challenge on the small stage but proved a success and an audience favourite! The featured dancers in MLOC's Fiddler are from the Lehenda Ukrainian Dance Company (including real Cossack Dancers with their impressive agility, high kicks and acrobatics) adding another exciting element to this unique production. The famous 'Bottle Dance' at the wedding is one of the most exciting moments in musical theatre history! I'm sure all the audience were holding their breath until it was successfully over (thankfully, not one bottle was dropped!).
Act One felt like one big party as the audience clapped along to everything with a fast tempo, even the scene changes! Lighting by Clear Systems was carefully crafted to reflect the various moods required throughout. One unique lighting effect (used during 'Far From the Home I Love' & 'Anatevka') made it look as though snow was falling, whilst the lighting in 'Tevye's Dream' created an otherworldly atmosphere, transforming the stage into a surreal and fantastical setting. Sound by LSS was well balanced, ensuring all performers' vocals and lines were clearly heard, ensuring the orchestra and sound effects didn't overpower them.
Musical Director Kent Ross and his team of twelve young musicians (housed in the 'green room') gave a remarkable performance. Musically, Fiddler is a long and difficult show but the orchestra delivered right to the end! I particularly enjoyed hearing the unique addition of mandolin and accordion in the score. It was lovely to see the band included by displaying them on the digital screen during the Act Two Entr'acte. David Hanner's onstage live performance as the 'fiddler' (a character symbolising both tradition and the delicate balance between old and new) was both expressive and technically brilliant! Adrian Glaubert's obvious intimate knowledge of all things Fiddler has enabled him to bring out the best in the cast as Vocal Director. This is most noticeable during the dynamic chorus numbers. 'Tradition', 'To Life', 'Tevye's Dream' and the 'Wedding Celebration' are high points in the show where the vocals are well pitched, harmonies blend nicely and the hand claps are perfectly synced (even the audience clapped in time). The emotion and vocal expression during 'Sabbath Prayer', 'Sunrise, Sunset' and 'Anatevka' was exquisitely beautiful and deeply moving. I noticed many in the audience drying their tears!
The 'Yellow Cast' featured on opening night was exceptional. Joshua Balbin was born to play the role of Tevye! He even looks and sounds uncannily like Topol! Balbin is a versatile and talented performer who brings depth, charisma and unaffected genuineness to this iconic role. From the rousing and at times raucous 'If I Were a Rich Man' to the deeply moving and gut wrenching 'Chavaleh (Little Bird)' Joshua kept the audience on a rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish. Elisa Gray (Golde) has a commanding stage presence. The chemistry with her onstage family as well as Yente the Matchmaker felt incredibly realistic. Gray's powerful yet heartfelt vocals on 'Sabbath Prayer', 'Sunrise, Sunset' and 'Do You Love Me?' highlight her years of performing experience. Balbin and Gray's duet of 'Do You Love Me?' feels so real and genuine, you'd think they'd been married for 25 years!
Zara Phillips Mason (Tzeitel), Jodie Silberthau (Hodel) and Eliana Morris (Chava) were equally captivating and their vocals technically outstanding as Tevye and Golde's three eldest daughters. 'Matchmaker, Matchmaker' featuring Mason's hilarious mimicry of Yente the Matchmaker (complete with maniacal laugh) along with Silberthau and Morris's rich harmonies was an Act One showstopper! Silberthau's rendition of 'Far From the Home I Love' was by far the most poignant, emotional and well performed song of the night! Georgia Vasilijevic (Biekle) and Aurelia Milnes (Shprintze) showed commitment and dedication as the two youngest daughters.
Tim Allison (Motel), David Zimmerman (Perchik) and Noah Fayle (Fyedka) performed admirably as the three suitors. Each of them brings a unique personality and perspective adding depth and complexity to the plot. The exuberant and heartfelt renditions of 'Miracle of Miracles' by Allison and 'Now I Have Everything' by Zimmerman were well received by the audience!
Greg Hurvitz and Evie Smith are perfectly cast in their respective roles. Hurvitz plays Lazar Wolf (the butcher, and potential suitor for Tzeitel) as a man with a kind heart and good intentions whilst Smith (Yente, the Matchmaker) provides plenty of comic relief with her witty remarks and quick comebacks. Karim Shaker (Constable) takes centre stage as the stern Russian authority figure and Geoff Sussman (Rabbi) receives much audience laughter with his comical one-liners. And who can forget 'Tevye's Dream' where Kirsten May and Jade Rosenberg bring the house down as the ghoulish figures of Grandma Tzeitel and Fruma Sara.
Other principals include Ben Neumann (Avram & Nachum), Nicholas Stefaniw (Mendel), Daniel Denley (Sasha), Pat Heddles (Mordcha & Innkeeper), Jarod Rhine Davis (Yeussel) and Lihee Ashkar (Shaindel).
At alternate performances the 'Blue Cast' includes Tim Maloney (Tevye), Lara Wittels Stein (Golde), Gabi Bergman (Tzeitel), Noa Coates (Hodel), Anyka Curcic (Chava), Jarod Rhine Davis (Motel), Nicholas Stefaniw (Perchik), Finn Hurley (Fyedka), Tamara Brodsky (Yente), Ariella Walsh Davidorff (Biekle), Madeline Vasilijevic (Shprintze), Lihee Ashkar (Grandma Tzeitel), Bec Muratore (Fruma Sara), David Zimmerman (Mendel),Tim Allison (Yeussel) and Kirsten May (Shaindel). All other roles (including the ensemble) are performed by the same cast members.
MLOC's production of Fiddler on the Roof celebrates life's blessings and encourages everyone to embrace happiness and joy.
'To life, to life, l'chaim!'
Jonathan Cox
Photo credit: Suzanne Martin
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