By Nate Brown
Broadway at the Eccles and the productions they bring to the Delta Performance Hall in Salt Lake City, Utah, are a tradition I love to indulge in, and Fiddler on the Roof is no exception. First appearing on Broadway in 1964 and logging over three-thousand shows in its eight-year run, Fiddler has been warming and breaking the hearts of audiences ever since it opened.
In this production, the direction of Bartlet Sher shines brightly from the start.
This show is well known to break the fourth wall. As the lights come up, Tevye (Yehezkel Lazarov) takes it to a whole new level as he speaks to us from a bare stage, wearing modern clothing, reading from a book. “A fiddler on the roof,” he says, a wink in his eye. “Sounds crazy, no?”
No, it doesn’t sound crazy. Lazarov changes into traditional garb on stage, the set flies in from the rafters, and the townsfolk of Anatevka appear.
Definitely not crazy. Amazing is the right word.
Costumes (designed by Catherin Zuber), Music Direction (by Michael Gildin), Lighting Design (by Donal Holder) and Sound Design (by Alex Neumann and Scott Lehrer) swirl and flow together seamlessly as the cast follows the choreography of Jerome Robbins, reimagined by Hofesh Shecter and Christopher Evans. Michael Yeargan’s scenic design ties it all together to let the audience be taken away into the world of Tevye, the milkman.
Fiddler on the Roof is lead by a single man, and Lazarov takes on this responsibility with excellent result. Still, the performance of the ensemble will make or break the show.
This cast delivers.
The women in Tevye’s life are a delight to watch. Golde (Maite Uzal) brings a fire to Tevye’s wife that drives her loyalty and her humor. The authenticity and emotional expression of Kelly Gabrielle Murphy’s Tzeitel is breathtaking at times. Chavelah (Noa Luz Barenblat) moves like a dancer as she interacts with her father. Finally, Ruthy Froch delivers Hodel to us with heart-wrenching clarity and yearning.
The men who come to marry Tevye’s daughters breathe additional life into the performance. Nick Siccone endears himself to the audience with a humble charm. Perchick (Nic Casaula) is passionate and vividly realistic. Though we desire to condemn him, Jack O’Brien brings an earnestness to Fyedka that reminds us that he and Chavelah are just two kids in love.
Other characters do their part in bringing the story to life. Yente (Carol Beaugard) reminds each of us of someone we want to dislike, but find ourselves loving instead. Lazar Wolf (Jonathan Von Mering) steals the stage with his solemnity and desire. Kelly Glyptis is frightening and brilliant as Fruma-Sarah, and Sam McLellan delivers Sasha, the Russian soldier, with power and dignity.
Fiddler on the Roof is appropriate for all audiences, and its music and artistry will keep the whole family entertained.
Come see Fiddler on the Roof and remember why you fell in love with Broadway.
Broadway at the Eccles presents Fiddler on the Roof, Book by Joseph Stein, Music by Jerry Bock, Lyrics Sheldon Harnick.
Delta Performance Hall at Eccles Theater, 131 Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
January 21-26, 2020, Times Vary
Tickets: $50-$170
(801) 355-ARTS (2787) or Toll-Free 1 (888) 451-ARTS (2787)
https://www.saltlakecountyarts.org/
Broadway at the Eccles Facebook Page
Fiddler on the Roof at the Eccles Facebook Event
Fiddler on the Roof Facebook Page
0 Comments