Tevye Steals the Show Fiddler on the Roof

A Review by Jane Haworth
Staff Writer

As my family and I huddled around a small TV screen, I remember watching Topol playing the character of Tevye in the 1971 film adaptation of Fiddler on the Roof. That must have been at least 30 years ago, so I was very excited to receive tickets to see the live production of the show. The Music Circus production of Fiddler on the Roof at the Wells Fargo Pavilion in Sacramento didn’t disappoint! This beloved story of hope, love and acceptance captured the hearts of the audience who rose to its message with tears of joy, sadness, laughter, and a standing ovation.

Fiddler on the Roof was first adapted in 1964, and is based on the book Tevye and his Daughters written by Sholem Aliichem. Set in Tsarist Russia in1905 the story centers around Tevye’s paternal role protecting his family’s Jewish traditions in a changing world. He must cope with the untraditional desires of his three eldest daughters by appeasing their wishes in the choice of a husband. At the same time conflicts are erupting within their village Anatevka, as demonstrations occur and the Tsar works on evicting villagers.

The original Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof ran for 10 years and was the first musical to surpass over 3,000 performances. It won nine Tony Awards including Best Musical, score, book, direction and choreography. The 1971 film adaptation by Norman Jewison, who also produced Jesus Christ Superstar, won three Academy Awards including Best Actor for Chaim Topol in his memorable performance as Tevye. It was a privilege to watch Bob Amaral’s stunning performance as Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman, whose selfless struggles through life find him conflicted between the love for his daughters and the respect for their faith. The audience loved his humor, his frequent soliloquies to God and his struggle between love and tradition - “on one hand but on the other hand….”. His spirited vocal performance brought emotion to the packed house. Photo: Bob Amaral as Tevye in the Music Circus production of “Fiddler on the Roof” by Charr Crail

Equally wonderful was the hilarious banter between Tevye and his wife Golde, played by Adrienne Barbeau. The couple was torn between sticking with Jewish tradition and using Yente, the village matchmaker, to arrange their daughter’s suitors or letting the young women follow their hearts. This timeless dilemma was summarized in Tevye and Golde’s performance of Do You Love Me? Photo: Bob Amaral and Adrienne Barbeau as Tevye and Golde in the Music Circus production of “Fiddler on the Roof” by Charr Crail

The entire performance was replete with memorable musical numbers, but a few real standouts were Tradition, the opening song with Tevye and all the company, Miracle of Miracles, The Rumor/I Just Heard, and To Life, when Tevye met with Lazar Wolf, (actor Ron Wisniski) the old, rich butcher, who wished to marry Tzeitel, played by Lauren T. Mack. After much confusion Tevye agreed and they all celebrated with much drinking and dancing. Final mention goes to Tevye’s Dream which supports a very funny scene. Tevye and Golde are tucked up in bed and Tevye pretends to be woken with a bad dream, all part of his plan to sway Golde to accept Tzeitel’s newly intended husband, the poor tailor, Motel. The performers used two puppets, Golde’s dead grandmother and the butcher’s late wife, to warn Golde of the grave consequences if the marriage with Lazar went ahead. The clever use of lighting and spooky music created an eerie, yet comic atmosphere.

The audience keenly anticipated the performance of Golde by Adrienne Barbeau. She made her Broadway debut as Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof and also played the original role of Rizzo in Grease. She has made numerous stage and film appearances including Maude, Carnivale and General Hospital. Bob Amarel who plays Tevye brings many film and stage credits to the role, including The Producers, Lion King, Guys and Dolls on Broadway, Happy Days, Honey I Shrunk the Kids and The Merry Widow. Other notable actors include Helen Geller as Yente, Jordan Bondurant as Perchik, Leah Horowitz as Hodel, Scott Leiendecker as Mendal and Allen E. Read as Motel. Photo: Bob Amaral and Adrienne Barbeau as Tevye and Golde in the Music Circus production of “Fiddler on the Roof” by Charr Crail

I loved this musical; the songs are heart-warming and familiar, including favorites like Tevye’s rendition of If I was a Rich Man, Matchmaker, Matchmaker, and Sunrise, Sunset. The story is portrayed through the lives of these struggling Jewish families and so can be a little sad at times; however the perseverance of Tevye during times of adversity is timeless and inspiring. This Music Circus production of Fiddler on the Roof was directed by Glenn Casale, choreographed by Bob Richard and with music direction by Jeff Rizzo. The show continues through August 19th. The 62nd season at Music Circus draws to a close with the final show Crazy for You running from August 28th – September 2nd.

Music Circus productions are performed at the Wells Fargo Pavilion, 1419 H Street in downtown Sacramento. This season continues with Crazy for You (August 28th–September 2nd). Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with matinees on Thursday and Saturday. Tickets start at $30 online at www.tickets.com or can be purchased in person at the Wells Fargo Pavilion Box Office. For more information and group rates please  visit online at www.SacramentoMusicCircus.com or phone (916) 557-1999. Photo Courtesy of Wells Fargo Pavilion

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