Fiddler on the Roof

In contrast to the more typical smoke-and-fireworks stage shows, Fiddler on the Roof has a surprisingly mature story. Told with passionate song and dance, it is one of the most compelling musicals of the twentieth century.
Our journey begins with Tevye, a Jewish milkman, who lives with his wife and five daughters in the small Russian village of Anatevka. His life is ruled by tradition ' a concept that gradually breaks down in the face of social progress. For better or worse, life in his little village is changing.

Joe McGann, acting in the shadow of performers such as Topol and Zero Mostel, brings a sly cleverness to Tevye's character. He invites the audience into the jokes rather than looking to them for sympathy. As his world begins to crumble, he maintains an inscrutable calmness and optimism.

Songs are used colourfully and illustrate either the aspirations, heritage, or feelings of Tevye and his family. Highlights include the fervent To Life! and heart-straining Sunrise, Sunset, the former of which contains a highly impressive display of Russian folk dancing.

However, this is not a musical that relishes in spectacle. The stage design and costuming are more practical than flamboyant, and while lighting is frequently used to establish mood and emotion, one occasionally wishes for more interaction between the performers and stage.

Most of all, Fiddler on the Roof is a story about human courage. Despite everything that changes in Anatevka, Tevye struggles onward and believes in his faith. The music effectively adds to our emotion rather than amazement. All in all, this is a solid production of a timeless musical.