Fidler on the Roof: This Production is a Splendid Anniversary gift.

Fidler on the Roof: This Production is a Splendid Anniversary gift.

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Orpheus Musical Theatre Society has given Fidler on the Roof a splendid 50th anniversary gift with its current production.

One of the best loved musicals of all time, Fidler on the Roof by Joseph Stein, with music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick is based on the stories about Tevye the milkman by Sholem Aleichem, first published in 1894. The focus of the stories, the musical and the 1971 movie is on Tevye’s vain attempt to maintain Jewish tradition in a changing world. In addition to dealing with each of his three oldest daughters moving further away from the accepted custom of their father selecting appropriate husbands for them, he and his fellow villagers face expulsion from their home during a pogrom.

As directed by Michael Gareau, the Orpheus production is particularly noteworthy for its clarity, attention to detail and respect for the traditions that are Fiddler’s raison d’être. From the simplicity of the opening and the purity of the sound from Danny Albert’s violin through strong characterizations, fine ensemble work, assorted musical highlights and spectacular visuals, this Fiddler has a magical quality.

While the heaviest responsibility falls on the lead character — and Christopher Mallory brings a fine singing voice and a robust characterization to his Tevye — this production is marked by a number of high quality dramatic and musical performances, as well as by an interesting and suitably spare set design from Cindy Bindhardt and fine lighting effects from David Magladry.

Among the special musical moments under the baton of Marylen Milenkovic are Far From the Home I Love (Joyanne Rudiak as Hodel, the second of Tevye’s five daughters) and the joy in the duet by the newly betrothed Motel the tailor and Tzeitel, the eldest daughter (Michael Kavcic and Nicole Tishler) in Miracle of Miracles. And its practical definition of love has always made Do You Love Me? a charmer. As delivered by Mallory and Catherine Clark as Tevye’s wife, Golde, it also has genuine warmth.

Each of the three younger couples also brings a believable emotional connection to their roles and Laura Duncan is a delight as the stereotype of a Jewish matchmaker. While some performances are stronger than others and there was an occasional glitch in sound quality on opening night, there are really no weak links in this production. The overall impression is simply that a director’s vision has been fulfilled.

The Orpheus production of Fidler on the Roof continues at Centrepointe Theatre to November 30.

Fidler on the Roof.

Book by Joseph Stein, Music by Jerry Bock, Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick

Orpheus Musical Theatre Society

Directed by Michael Gareau.

 

Musical Director

Marylen Milenkovic

Choreographer/Assistant Director

Debbie Guilbeault

Technical Director

John Solman

Set

Christy Bindhardt

Lighting

David Magladry

Sound

John Cybanski

Costumes

Susan Cole

Cast

Tevye, the dairyman

Christopher Mallory

Golde, his wife

Catherine Clark

Tzeitel, their eldest daughter

Nicole Tishler

Hodel, their second

Joyanne Rudiak

Chava, the third

Rhyanna Melanson

Shprintze, the fourth

Marie Pier Jean

Bielke, the fifth

Sarah Olberg

Yente, the matchmaker

Laura Duncan

Lazar Wolf, the butcher

John Litster

Motel, the tailor

Michael Kavcic

Perchik, the student

Andrew Portolesi

Fyedka, the Russian

Tim Robillard

Avram, the bookseller

Rick Burk

Boris, the Russian Constable

Jim Murchison*

Solomon, the rabbi

Brian Schecter

Mendel, the rabbi’s son

Doug Thicke

Yussel, the hatter

Bryan Jesmer

Mordcha, the innkeeper

Mike Kennedy

The ghost of Grandma Tzeitel

Laura Burk

The ghost of Fruma-Sarah

Sonja Milsom

Nachum the beggar

Matthew Gordon

Dmitry, the Russian Priest

Austin Fogarty

Isaiah, a villager

Antonio Di Rienzo

Efraim, the shoemaker

Kim Current

Valentin, a Russian tenor

Alain Paquette

Sasha, a Russian

Michael David

Aaron, a young student

Jake Hamilton

Asher, a young student

Adam Linton

Martha, a dressmaker

Erynn Paton

Isabel, the bookseller’s daughter

Caitlin Elmslie

Rifka, a fishmonger

Alexandra Green

Shaindel, Motel’s mother

Cheryl Dubois

Ruchel, the shoemaker’s daughter

Sandrine Lessard-Blais

Mirala, a fabric seller

Sharye Marcus

Aviva, the bagel seller

Micah Steffler

Esther, Mirala’s daughter

McKenna Mellon

Kemuel, the Fiddler

Danny Albert

 
Orchestra

Violin

Sophia Pan

Violin

Galina Rezaeipour

Violin

Alla Perevalova

Viola

Sonya Probst

Cello

Steve Smith

Bass

Tom McMahon

Flute/Piccolo

Beverley Robinson

Clarinet

Sylvie Duchesneau

Clarinet, Bass Clarinet

Dave Renaud

Oboe, English Horn

Angela Casagrande

Bassoon

Jo Ann Simpson

Trumpet 1

Michelle Ash

Trumpet 2

Chris Lane

French Horn

Keith Estabrooks

Trombone

Drummond Hudson

Guitar

Craig Kennedy

Accordion

Gary Racicot

Percussion

Scott Latham

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