Broadway Across Canada’s production of Fiddler on the Roof is a piece that goes back to the basics of musical theatre. A powerhouse cast with big voices, a simple set that enhances the action on stage along with stellar lighting and sound design. This 2015 Broadway revival production runs almost 3 hours long, but be reassured that you are in the strong, capable hands of Tevye. He will move you through his tradition!
This rendition of Fiddler on the Roof is a traditional telling of the story. Tevye (Jonathan Hasmonay) is blessed with five daughters. He is the head of his household, as tradition upholds. His wife Golde (Maite Uzal) keeps the house and looks after all the children: Tzeitel (Randa Meierhenry), Hodel (Yardén Barr) and Chava (Isabel Robin) are the young women who will ask something of their father. Tradition dictates that the village matchmaker Yente (Mary Beth Webber) arranges all the marriages.
“Young people cannot decide these things for themselves,” is the crux of the conflict at the centre of the musical.
The large cast is talented, their voices carrying through the Jubilee auditorium. Most impressive is Hasmonay, whose solo ‘If I Were a Rich Man’ is captivating in every sense. Hasmonay is so solid and no part of his performance feels flat or rehearsed. It allows the story to be guided and complimented by the simple set design by Michael Yeargan that has cast members moving pieces on stage. Backdrops are painted, illuminated by Donald Holder’s lighting design, allowing the audience to be captivated by the story of a people being driven away from their homes, a father trying to keep his family happy, while the fiddler plucks away at the strings of hope. The only part that feels a little over the top about this production is the dream sequence, complete with stilt walking and puppets.
This story still rings with truth, as we feel for Tevye. His struggle is illustrated beautifully by the music, songs and theatrical production. If he bends too much, he might break. But we all face the choice of changing, or being left behind.
Let Tevye tell his story while the cast full of beautiful voices weave in and out alongside catchy lyrics and compelling storytelling. This one is not to be missed.
Broadway Across Canada’s production of Fiddler on the Roof runs until January 15th. More information is available online.
Photo by Joan Marcus