Past Reviews

Regional Reviews: Cincinnati


Fiddler on the Roof

Tradition! Not only is this the title of the opening number of Fiddler on the Roof, it's also an accurate description of the current national tour of the classic musical. As seen at the Aronoff Center in Cincinnati, this production is, for better or worse, mostly a copy of the tour that played here ten years ago and of most professional mountings. With a solid cast performing the well-known and well-written material, the show is a winner, but those already familiar with the piece aren't likely to find anything new or exciting in it.

Fiddler tells the story of Tevye, a poor milkman who lives with his family in a small Jewish village in Russia in 1905. He strives to preserve his religious and family traditions, even as the world around him is changing rapidly. The stress of finding suitable husbands for his five daughters with no dowry, as well as the impending conflict with Russian soldiers occupying the area, pushes Tevye to question God, to whom he speaks directly, and his own beliefs.

The score by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick is one of the strongest from Broadway in the 1960s with classic songs such as "If I Were A Rich Man", "Tradition", "Matchmaker, Matchmaker" and "Sunrise, Sunset." Joseph Stein's well-written book is both touching and humorous, and weaves many story lines together effectively. With a running time of nearly three hours, the book seems unnecessarily padded in places by modern standards.

Over the years, a number of actors have become famous for performing the leading role, including Topol, Zero Mostel, Herschel Bernardi and Theodore Bikel. Though not as well known as his predecessors, John Preece has played the role of Tevye over 1,500 times already. Mr. Preece supplies a warm presence, great comic timing, and pleasing vocals. His portrayal is a bit more low-key than usual, but it works and effectively humanizes the character.

Fiddler on the Roof also offers many opportunities for other performers to shine, and despite a few jumbled dialogue lines, this company performs admirably. As Golde, Nancy Evans is effectively frustrated and plays up the comedy of the role. Of the other supporting performers, Lauren Nedelman (Tzeitel), Julianne Katz (Hodel), Andrew Boza (Motel) and Kevin Stangler (Perchik) are especially praiseworthy.

Sammy Dallas Bayes directed the tour that played Cincinnati ten years ago and has again supplied smart, apt direction and also faithfully reproduced the original choreography by musical theater legend Jerome Robbins. The score sounds great with the skilled orchestra capably led by Musical Director David Andrews Rogers. The sets by Steven Gilliam are based on the original design by Boris Aronson and are attractive, colorful, and generally effective. The costume design by Tony Ray Hicks is appropriate to the period, fun, and likewise appealing. Lighting by Ken Billington and Jason Kantrowitz provides a beautiful and atmospheric palate to the otherwise drab (yet appropriate) color scheme of the setting.

Fiddler on the Roof doesn't possess the energy or pace of most modern musicals, and today's audiences might be a bit antsy at times watching the show. However, the themes of parental challenges and longings for family happiness are timeless, and the show has no glaring weaknesses. With a fine ensemble and a worthy Tevye in John Preece, the show continues to be a crowd pleaser. The musical continues at the Aronoff Center in Cincinnati through February 27, 2011. For tickets, call 513-621-2787.


Also see the current Cincinnati Area Theatre Schedule