With “tradition” to uphold and expectations teetering like a rooftop musician, Running Dog Productions is set to bring “Fiddler on The Roof” to the stage April 3, 4, and 5 at 7:00 p.m. with a matinee at 1:00 p.m. on the last day of performance. Following last year’s “Mamma Mia!,” which was the first show to sell out in 18 years, this year’s cast and crew are not just filling big shoes, they’re stepping into the legacy of one of the most beloved musicals of all time.
“Fiddler on the Roof,” written by Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick, and Joseph Stein, opened on Broadway in 1964 and was the longest-running Broadway musical for nearly a decade. The story is set in the small Jewish town of Anatevka in Imperial Russia during the early 1900s and follows impoverished milkman Tevya as he watches as his three eldest daughters get married in increasingly untraditional ways.
The titular Fiddler herself is played by none other than the remarkable Claire Lee. This violinist is placed precariously on the side of a roof at the opening of the show. She starts the show with an unaccompanied violin solo, demonstrating not only her excellence in musicianship, but also her gutsiness to perform alone while elevated above the ground.
The musical’s narrative is shouldered almost entirely by the long-time Running Dog performer Ian Brown in the role of Tevye. Given the intensity of the production’s subject matter, which examines rampant anti-semitism and the origins of the Jewish diaspora, Brown does an impressive job of balancing this seriousness with cheeky and impactful humor.
The song “If I Were a Rich Man,” demonstrates Brown’s mastery at breaking the fourth wall and showcasing tasteful humor. Brown’s portrayal of Tevye is that of a multi-layered character; his gruff and pious exterior hides his more sensitive and fatherly nature. Many actors would envy Brown’s ability to pull off this dichotomy.
Alongside Brown, as Tevye’s wife Golde, is skillful actress Stephanie Long. Long exemplifies Golde’s staunch traditionalism and fiercely maternal protectiveness in a realistic and effective way while also matching Brown’s consistent energy.
Long and Brown play opposite sides of the same coin with each of their respective characters wanting the best for their five daughters even with different perspectives on what that might look like. Their chemistry was compelling and had the effect of making the audience root for the play’s couple as shown through their deeply affectionate duet, “Do You Love Me?”
The three eldest daughters Tzeitel, Hodel, and Chava are played respectively by Addie Connor, Emma Kleinhans, and Ashleigh Allen. Each of these actresses shares a quality of charming the audience, especially with their song “Matchmaker.”
Connor’s genuine fear of marrying a far older man is felt tangibly throughout the auditorium. Kleinhans’s ethereal voice casts a bittersweet shade onto the entire production with her song “Far From The Home I Love.” And finally, Allen gives a dynamic performance shifting from a flighty and naive teenager to a mature, grown woman throughout the musical.
Model and Perchik, two of the prospective love interests of sisters Tzeitel and Hodel, as well as being complete polar opposites, add even further color to the show and are played by Paul Finamore and Ayden Brook. Finamore’s endearing portrayal of a timid and jittery tailor is both humorous and heartwarming. Brook’s solidarity-seeking intellectualism adds a strikingly anti-employer slant to the show.
In addition to a star-studded group of leads, this musical includes noteworthy featured roles that add laughter and pizzazz to the entire production. Abigail White as the gossipy Matchmaker fulfills the prattling, quick-witted hilarity that the role requires.
In stark character contrast, Jude Dewitt plays the ominous ghost Fruma-Sarah, whose performance in “The Dream” is chilling, creepy, and perfectly nightmarish. This is aided by Costume Crew Heads Miranda Ridgely and Ashleigh Allien’s work on Dewitt’s enormous, ten-foot-tall dress surrounded by ghastly spirits drenched in white.
“Fiddler” is a musical with everything from full-blown dance numbers to intimate, tear-jerking melodies. What pulls everything together with poignancy was the work of White, Kleinhans, and Connor as choreographers. Rhythmic and fast-paced dances are accompanied by entrancing methodical movements. “To Life” includes traditional Russian dances that make the audience feel as though they are watching an enthralling party.
The backbone of the show was the technicians who worked behind the scenes to pull the entire production together. Construction Crew Head Eamon Dunne knew how to keep the set simple enough to allow for the cast to shine while also encapsulating Anatevka’s impoverished Pale of Settlement feel.
Lighting Crew Heads Adyansh Das and Julia Quezada also did not disappoint in their efforts. The lighting crew’s use of warm twilight shades at the start created a gorgeous backdrop. These talented individuals used a kaleidoscope of colors that elevated every scene.
Running Dog Productions “Fiddler on The Roof” is a bittersweet testament to the longevity of steadfast traditions. For only $9 at the door and $12 online, “Fiddler” is a worthwhile performance that will transport every audience member to small town Anatevka and its family-oriented Jewish community.
