The vitality of Village Theatre’s Fiddler on the Roof (through December 30; tickets) pulls you in from the first moment. Predictably it’s fiddle notes, from a player, somewhat dangerously standing on a sloping roof, who is the live epitome of the metaphor that underlies the story. Life is precarious, but we can live it with optimism just the same, underpinned by the pillars of tradition, family, and faith.
Endlessly popular from its first Broadway performances in 1964, the story of Tevye the Milkman and his ability to rise above hidebound shibboleths which challenge his humanity while simultaneously maintaining his integrity—a process which causes him considerable agony—is a tale of Everyman. Its setting in the shetls of early 20th-century Russia give it color and definition.
Village Theatre’s production draws much, with reason, from that original production. Its choreography by Jerome Robbins has been reproduced for VT’s little stage by Kathryn Van Meter, with Bill Forrester’s scenic design inspired by the paintings of Marc Chagall, himself a Russian Jew born and raised in a village in what is now knows as Belarus.
The center of the production is of course the character of Tevye, here performed by Eric Polani Jensen with larger than life realism, from Tevye’s enthusiasm for tradition, his love for his daughters, his enjoyment of the impromptu tavern party and subsequent hangover, to his questioning and moralizing on the meanings of his religion and its application to his life with his subsequent decisions.
Jensen holds the stage whenever he is on it, but he is challenged in this regard by Bobbi Kotula as his feisty, outspoken wife, Golde; by Laura Kenny as Yente, the outwardly affectionate Matchmaker with a meddling finger in everyone’s affairs, and the daughters who defy the old ways: Emily Cawley as Hodel, Mara Solar as Chava and Jennifer Weingarten as Tzeitel and a memorable ancient, Grandma Tzeitel. There are many more. Every actor and actress contributes to building this vital little shetl community.
Musically, Fiddler is well paced with the musicians led by Bruce Monroe. Singing voices are adequate if not inspiring and words are clear. Costumes by Cynthia Savage and lighting by Rick Paulsen are uniformly excellent.
Go and enjoy! It’s a delight. Northerners, this production moves to Everett Performing Arts Center for the month of January.
