Fiddler on the Roof
Image: Mark Mitchell & Anthony Warlow in Fiddler on the Roof. Photo by Jeff Busby.
One of the world’s most loved musicals, Fiddler on the Roof has been entertaining audiences for more than 50 years. Sydney welcomes a brand new production fresh from playing at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre.
Musical theatre superstar Anthony Warlow fronts an exciting cast including Sigrid Thornton, Nicki Wendt, ARIA award-winner Lior, and the iconic Mark Mitchell. Mitchell is better known to many as his alter-ego ‘Con the Fruiterer’ (or to 90s children, as Round The Twist’s Mr Gribble), here he plays wealthy but lonely butcher Lazar Wolf.
“Having been a fruiterer, it’s sort of easy to make the leap to becoming a butcherer… I’ve found myself just getting caught up in the mood of the piece,” said Mark.
Although he has performed in Oliver!, Mitchell has not often had the chance to act in musicals. Speaking to him as the Melbourne run of Fiddler on the Roof was wrapping up, it was clear that he is relishing the opportunity.
“I’ve been performing with the greatest musical theatre performer of our age, Anthony Warlow… It’s not often you can say that you’ve worked with the best person the industry has to offer, but all of us in this show can say that…legitimately,” he said.
“Its an interesting show because the template was devised by Jermone Roberts in 1964…There has never been a lot of deviation…our [production] is different… it’ll be a new production and it’s as different as it can be,” added Mark. “It’s a fresh interpretation.”
In some respects, Mitchell’s character is altered the most from the original. He wanted to make Lazar Wolf likeable, a character whose desires can be easily seen as unseemly.
“Lasier Wolfe is always an interesting character because he represents the traditional approach in the face of a very modern response – and that’s what the show is all about…people who are caught up in a tidal wave of great change whilst trying to keep their traditions.” (AM)
Mar 24–May 6, various show times. Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell Street, Haymarket. $79.90-$139.90+b.f. Tickets & info: ticketmaster.com.au or fiddlerontherooftour.com
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