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

Orpheus Musical Theatre Society has given Fidler on the Roof a splendid 50^th 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