Review: The Fiddler on the Roof
Image: Anthony Warlow in Fiddler on the Roof. Photo by Jeff Busby.
This production is quite arguably flawless.
I consider myself a musical theatre fanatic, but the fact that I didn’t know much about The Fiddler on the Roof before seeing this production – and that I didn’t find the time to sit down and absorb the film adaption before seeing the stage production, despite promising myself I would – had me fearing I’d set myself up for a loss when I took my seat at the Capitol Theatre.
Would the dense historical subtext and the fact that this show has never altered far from its original 1964 template make this a heavy and trudgingly slow experience? Absolutely not.
While the story is very strongly anchored in its setting, a Jewish settlement in Imperial Russia in 1905, the issue of cultural traditions struggling against the rise of modern ideas and practices transcends to the now.
As the leading man, musical theatre superstar Anthony Warlow’s reputation precedes him, and it is well earned. He is much more than his impressive vocal range and unfaltering baritone. As he possesses the role of poor milkman Tevye, it is the ease with which he moves about the stage, the fluidity between his quips and asides, that it something to behold. This is a master at work. His rendition of ‘If I were a Rich Man’ is intimate and sincere.
From Tevye’s five daughters, to their husbands and the various townspeople, the whole cast was chosen well. When it comes to main supporting roles, major musical productions in Australia often seem to fall into the trap of choosing a familiar face despite the fact they may not have been an entirely appropriate casting choice. But despite their familiarity on television screens, Sigrid Thornton and Mark Mitchell held their own as Tevye’s long-suffering wife and the town’s wealthy old butcher (with an eye on Tevye’s eldest daughter) respectively.
The charm of Aria-winning musician Lior in his theatrical debut was also a welcome surprise.
The staging of Fiddler on the Roof could be considered refined compared to the explosive sets of recent productions like Matilda and Cats. But whilst taking a fresh approach, here they have not fixed what wasn’t broken – a template that has been adored for more than 50 years.
The music is what lingers with you though, from ‘Matchmaker, Matchmaker’ to ‘Sunrise, Sunset’. Hearing iconic songs, which have been ongoingly reinterpreted in new ways (Gwen Stefani’s ‘If I Were A Rich Girl’ certainly sticks in your head), in their intended setting with a live orchestra and impeccable live singers is mesmerising. (AM)
****
Until 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
