"Fiddler on the Roof" at Goodspeed Opera House: A Toast 'To Life'!

I had the privilege of watching one of the American Musical Theater classics, “Fiddler on the Roof” through the fresh eyes of a novice theater-goer, my 11-year old daughter Olivia. A timeless artistic piece, “Fiddler” has withstood the test of time in large part because its themes of love for family and friends, fighting against and ultimately accepting change, and the challenges of living amidst racism and oppression resonate as strongly now as in 1964 when it was first staged.

Based upon the stories of Sholem Aleichem, with a book by Joseph Stein,music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, the show’s emotional center is Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman living in a small village of Anatevka in 1905, a time when Jews were persecuted by the Czar. The troubles of the outside world abruptly barge into his simple life as he simultaneously grapples with his daughters’ rebellious attitudes towards the family’s traditions. The last scene of this production so beautifully portrays the community’s reluctant acceptance of an edict brought upon the Jews to leave their homes. As they hug and say final ‘goodbyes to those they may never see again, Tevye offers the gift of tolerance and forgiveness to his child who has married a member of the group that is responsible for their loss.

Tevye’s humor and heart-filled-with love provides the hope and inspiration that is at the root of “Fiddler on the Roof.” Despite the bullying, violence and injustice, we are left feeling that all will be okay in Tevye’s life because even though he’s not a rich man,and he’s now asked to relocate and make a new home in America thousands of miles away,  he leaves Anatevka with his family and their strong ties of love.  

Love is at the core of the Goodspeed’s portrayal of Tevya. Adam Heller has created a sensitive, honest Tevya. Although he elicits tremendous laughter as he conveys Tevye’s humorous one-liners, Mr. Heller doesn’t play him broad and over-the-top. From the get-go, the audience is drawn in by Tevye’s heart; we believe he is a father, first and foremost. He is a provider..of food and of his family’s happiness.  When he is asked to give his blessing to his oldest daughter’s engagement to her childhood friend, Motel the Tailor, Tevye is at first reluctant. However, he immediately reasons, “She loves him.”

Love is at the heart of this production.

Director Rob Ruggiero has once again assembled a top-notch cast. In this production, it’s difficult to single out an exceptional leading actor because they were all outstanding. And, every time I watch a musical on the Goodspeed stage, I am amazed by the precision, grace and skills demonstrated by the dancers and singers in the cast as they make their magic happen in such a small space. The choreography is exciting and executed flawlessly.

However, enough said by me. I believe Olivia has some on-point comments that she would also like to share with you.

Olivia:

Goodspeed Musicals “Fiddler On The Roof” was great with onstage jokes, the crowd always laughing, fabulous actors and every staff member being so kind. Beginning with going into a beautiful and clean elevator that brought you into the theater, my  Goodspeed ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ experience was fantastic. This was my first time at the theater and seeing this particular show and it was amazing. 

I loved Tevya and his family! Adam Heller played an awesome Tevya for it being his first time in ‘Fiddler on the Roof.’ He was a natural. I thought he had played this part many times before. There were great songs and the ensemble was fantastic. I thought the choreography was so good, too, especially during the Dream Scene and the song ‘To Life.’ There were adults and teens in the cast and there was a crowd full of happy and laughing people of all ages the audience. This was the perfect show to go to with your family. ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ was about love and people being close together.

‘Fiddler on the Roof’ will be performed Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday through Sept. 12. For tickets, call 860-873-8668 or go to www.goodspeed.org.