Fiddler On The Roof

2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the Broadway premiere of Fiddler on the Roof and it continues to be immensely popular with young and old. Now, set in the beautiful background of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, would this production, directed by Jordan Fein, be a worthy way to celebrate this musical milestone? The simple answer is, yes!

With book by Joseph Stein, music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, Fiddler on the Roof tells the story of Tevye and his family, but also the story of the people of the village of Anatevka, in the Pale of Settlement of Imperial Russia, in or around 1905. It has always been a story full of emotion, telling of the struggle between religion and family and the importance of tradition and belonging. But, in the current climate, the themes around displacement and acceptance seem even more poignant, and as an audience member I found the destruction and subsequent fire at the end of Act One unsettling considering recent events in the UK.

The creative team have done an outstanding job, including Tom Scutt, as Set Designer, who managed to create a space which blended with the scenery of the park, and also had a really rustic feel. In particular, I loved the way even the roof became part of the show, especially given the title!  Aideen Malone as Lighting Designer used both the natural and artificial light very effectively, something which is not always easy in an outdoor setting, and Nick Lidster, as Sound Designer and Richard Weeden, as Orchestral Manager, brought the production alive with beautiful music and sound choices which pulled on the emotions.

However, it is the cast which really brings this production to life. Adam Dannheisser, as Tevye, is everything you want from the character. His commanding performance was perfect for the head of the family, but you also felt his turmoil as a man pushed and pulled in many directions. When he sang, he had the audience in the palm of his hand, and his version of ‘If I Was A Rich Man’ was a delight to both hear and watch.

In Act One, Liv Andrusier, as Tzeitel, and Dan Wolff, as Motel, really caught my attention, as their love story unfolded. Additionally, I thought the director’s decision to have Tzeitel play both Grandma Tzeitel and Fruma Sarah in ‘The Dream’ was inspired and worked so well. Meanwhile, in Act Two, it was Hannah Bristow, as Chava and Georgia Bruce, as Hodel, who brought their character battles between love and family so emotionally to life. Particular mention goes to Georgia Bruce, whose rendition of ‘Far From The Home I Love’ brought a tear to my eye.

As you might expect, Fiddler on the Roof is a show where the ensemble is as much a part of the story as the individuals, and the well known ensemble numbers such as ‘Tradition’ and ‘Anatevka’ choreographed by Julia Cheng, brought the whole theatre to life. In addition, ‘The Wedding’, with its Jerome Robbins inspired ‘Bottle Dance’, was a marvel to watch. Overall, the cast succeeded in creating a sense of community as the people of Anatevka and the audience felt every inch of their joy and pain.

Final mention needs to go to Raphael Papo, whose amazing skill as ‘The Fiddler’ seamlessly linked the show, with his sublime rendition of what is quite a haunting piece of music.

It may be 60 years old, but the themes in this show are as relevant as ever and resonate with audiences old and new. Plus, this reimagined production keeps with the ‘Tradition’ of being spectacular, so if you go and see any show this summer, make it Fiddler on the Roof!

This show was reviewed on the 6th August at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, London where it runs until the 21st September 2024.  Tickets available here: Fiddler on the Roof | Open Air Theatre

***** stars

Kat Fuller

Join Kat every Tuesday from 9am for ‘The Best of Stage and Screen’ here on Box Office Radio

Photo credit : Marc Brenner