FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
Stoke Rep
NEWCASTLE Operatic Society is presenting this classic musical at Stoke Repertory Theatre until tomorrow – and I urge you to go along and enjoy a superb show.
The standing ovation awarded to this society after its first night performance was richly deserved.
From the first number Tradition, which sets the scene, the company displayed a disciplined and professional approach of which director James Freeman and musical director Allison Fisher can be justly proud.
Set in the Imperial Russia of 1905, Fiddler on the Roof tells the story of milkman Tevye’s struggle to maintain his religious and cultural traditions even as his daughters insist on marrying for love, rather than following the suggestions of the Matchmaker.
The Tsar is also sending in his soldiers to evict the Jews from their beloved village of Anatevka.
The themes of tradition versus change and religious persecution are as relevant in our 21st century as they ever were and they are explored here with gentleness and humour.
The original Broadway production opened in 1964 and won nine Tony awards, but it is probably the 1971 Oscar-winning film version, starring Topol, which brought this wonderful musical into the spotlight.
Who of us of a certain age can’t sing along to the classics If I Were A Rich Man; Sunrise, Sunset; Matchmaker, Matchmaker; or Do You Love Me?
In this show, Tevye is played by Steve Beattie, whose singing voice is excellent and who captures the father’s dry humour as he remonstrates with his god.
The relationships between Tevye and his family and the closeness of the tightknit Jewish community in which they live is well drawn, with good performances also from Lottie Morris as Hodel, Matthew Murray as Motel and Caroline Wicks as Golde.
But, in truth, the entire cast deserve praise, from the oldest (Brian Rawlins as the Rabbi) to the youngest (Matthew Titley and Shaylan Wright as the Fiddler and Village Boy).
A special mention must go to the cossack dancers who amazed us with their agility and balance. It almost felt as if we really were in Russia!
Tickets are available by phoning 01782 565873/07411 496653 or go to ticketsource.co.uk/newcastleoperatic. All seats are priced at £17.50, with £1 reduction for over-60s and under-16s.