If you’re going to put on Fiddler on the Roof, it is critical to have a strong Tevye, the main character, the poppa who is the head of the household. Stage West chose Victor A. Young, and this proves to be a very good decision.
The musical centers on Tevye, the father of five daughters who live in Tsarist Russia in 1905. Tevye is struggling to maintain his Jewish traditions and the customs that govern his household, but his three eldest daughters have different ideas about those traditions. Fiddler on the Roof was a highly successful Broadway musical when it opened in 1964 and Stage West’s production is lively and energetic, featuring great music and singing.
The entire cast is strong and sing quite beautifully. Young is funny and charming as Tevye and his interactions with his wife Golde (Gabrielle Jones) are delightful. Natascha Girgis is funny as the gossipy matchmaker Yente while Grant Linneberg’s Lazar Wolf is a standout performance as well.
Stage West’s Fiddler on the Roof is an entertaining production that looks at the roots of tradition and how those customs can adapt to make way for change. This production is well performed and designed. You will leave the theatre humming the melodies.
Stage West’s production of Fiddler on the Roof runs until June 22nd. More information is available online.