Fiddler on the Roof

Fiddler on the Roof

The Broadway Theatre

June 11, 2016

Photo courtesy of Fiddler on the Roof

The revival of Fiddler on the Roof currently running at The Broadway Theater is magnificent!  How can one of the most profound musicals ever written interpreted by visionary director Bartlett Sher be anything less?  I can’t be, so when it is peppered with the lustful choreography of Hofesh Shechter and performed by a phenomenal cast, it becomes an exceptional work of theatre that should not be missed.  Every moment in this production is genuine and full of hope and humanity.

Danny Burstein makes the role of Tevye his own.  His timing and vocal qualities are like no other interpretation.  His Tevye is an everyman - simple, hardworking, flawed, struggling to live with dignity, and balancing his beliefs in a changing world.  Every one of his gestures reveals his deeper needs.  His vocal intonations expose his exasperation and softer side.  He proficiently connect one moment to the next to create an identifiable character who is both respectful and respected.  Jessica Hecht does the same with the role of Golda.  She forcefully plays a stern wife and mother with a tender understanding and soft heart.  She falls to the floor with grief, then stands strong to complete her daily chores.  Together they portray how a traditional lifestyle is built, which includes a significant amount of flexibility, persistence, and foolery.

Melanie Moore, Alexandra Silber, & Samantha Massell
Photo courtesy of Fiddler on the Roof

Alexandra Silber (as Tzeitel) and Adam Kantor (as Motel) are magical together.  Samantha Massell (as Hodel) and Ben Rappaport (as Perchik) set the stage on fire.  Melanie Moore (as Chava) and Nick Rehberger (as Fyedka) are idealistic, willful, intelligent, and passionate.

Director Bartlett Sher delivers a production where everyone on stage viscerally understands the needs of the villagers of Anatevka.  They address one another directly and austerely, with no sense of apology.  They literally clutch and cling to one another, as they do to their beliefs.  That is truly all they have and what they know to value.  Hofesh Shechter’s choreography is the true highlight of the show.  Every stomp and footstep connects to and comes deeply from the earth.  Every shoulder shake and arm raise reaches longingly to God.  The zest for life of the characters is expressed and portrayed through the way they gesticulate, spin and pulsate.  Even as they depart Anatevka, they stomp and reach, signifying the longevity of their existence.

Danny Burstein as Tevye
Photo courtesy of Fiddler on the Roof

At the start of the prologue, the image of the fiddler rises up from the floor of the stage and disappears into the fly space.  At the end of the prologue, he floats through the air wearing a purple coat, depicting the images from the well-known Chagall paintings.  This is an inspired production that must be experienced.  It will re-inforce your value of life.  L’Chaim!

Domenick Danza