REVIEW: ‘Fiddler’ adds to its Broadway tradition with stellar revival

NEW YORK — It should come as no surprise that the Broadway revival of Fiddler on the Roof is an exceptional and moving production. After all, the beloved musical from Joseph Stein (book), Jerry Bock (music) and Sheldon Harnick (lyrics) has a whole suite of songs that are instantly recognizable and singable. However, this particular production also has a special treat: the direction of the visionary Bartlett Sher. Time and time again, Sher has enlivened classic musicals with new energy and new meaning. Whether it’s South Pacific or The King and I, Sher’s selections over the years have been celebratory, and now Fiddler can be added to the list.

The well-known musical tells the story of Tevye (Danny Burstein), his wife Golde (Judy Kuhn) and their five daughters, Tzeitel (Alexandra Silber), Hodel (Samantha Massell), Chava (Melanie Moore), Shprintze (Jenny Rose Baker) and Bielke (Nerghiz Sarki). Tevye is a poor dairyman who appreciates and is inspired by his Jewish faith and relationship with God. His signature number in the musical is “Tradition,” a song he proudly sings with his fellow villagers.

On the other hand, Tevye is acutely aware of his allotment in life. He struggles to keep up with the expenses and must constantly work to keep a roof over his family. In “If I Were a Rich Man,” Tevye is able to take part in some needed escapism. He envisions a life of wealth, a life where the struggles weren’t so difficult in Anatevka, Russia.

The challenge to Tevye and Golde’s traditional ways comes in the form of their daughters and their would-be suitors. Each one presses Tevye in a new direction, and he’s uncomfortable with what this new reality will mean for his village, his faith and his relationship with his family. Having one of his daughters marry a poor tailor is one thing, but having another daughter not marry a Jewish man is too much for Tevye to bear.

Throughout this drama, which also speaks to the rising anti-Semitism in the world, many classic Broadway tunes are played. “To Life” features Tevye, Lazar Wolf and other villagers, while “Sunrise, Sunset” is a beautiful wedding song that features the entire company.

There’s also a lot of humor in Fiddler because Tevye is, at his heart, a kind, funny man. He often talks to God in monologue fashion, and he often quotes the Bible — though not accurately. Audiences will undoubtedly recognize “Matchmaker,” “Do You Love Me?” and the finale, “Anatevka.”

The cast members are marvels at bringing this village and its obstacles to life. Anchoring the show is Burstein as Tevye. He’s a lovable, strong-willed man who loves to talk out his problems, escape the glaring stare of his wife and find solace for his daughters. No one doubts after watching Burstein’s interpretation that Tevye loves his family and his faith, but like so many people, he struggles with change.

Kuhn, a Broadway veteran who recently wrapped a run in Fun Home, portrays an equally lovable and strong-willed Golde. She is the one who must rein in Tevye’s off-the-cuff decision-making, and she’s also the one who hurts the most when Tevye casts one of his daughters out of their life.

Sher has a challenge with the three-hour musical play, and that’s the gargantuan Broadway Theatre stage. But the plot never feels lost beneath the proscenium. It’s a remarkable achievement that Fiddler on the Roof‘s more intimate scenes, involving two young people in love or a father and daughter arguing about the future, play so well in such a large house. That sense of intimacy is largely due to Sher’s direction. He uses the full stage for the musical and dance numbers featuring all of the villagers, but he smartly utilizes a strip of the downstage area, just past the orchestra, for Tevye’s talks with God, for loving embraces and difficult breakups.

Fiddler on the Roof, which continues at the Broadway Theatre through Dec. 31, is a classic musical about tradition and change, and the cast and creative team assembled for this revival have offered a memorable interpretation.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

Fiddler on the Roof is currently playing the Broadway Theatre in Midtown Manhattan. The production, directed by Bartlett Sher, stars Danny Burstein and Judy Kuhn. Other credits include: Joseph Stein (book), Jerry Bock (music), Sheldon Harnick (lyrics), Hofesh Shechter (choreography) and Michael Yeargan (set design). Click here for more information and tickets. Rating: