Oy, “miracle of miracles” the QCA has another chance, in less than 2 years, to take in one of theatre’s most beloved musicals: Fiddler on the Roof which is now playing at Circa 21 Dinner Theatre in Rock Island and directed by Georgette Kleier, who is making her debut at Circa. I certainly hope it won’t be her last visit.
Fiddler’s original production was staged on Broadway in 1964 and held the record for longest running show at 10 years, it spawned 5 Broadway revivals and was adapted for film in 1971. Its popularity endures because of its universal theme of family dynamics. No matter the place, no matter the time frame, no matter ethnicity, the theme of coping with change, of raising children and balancing our dreams for our children and our children’s dreams for themselves. It also superbly exemplifies how theatre can open our eyes to different cultures and see that we are more alike than different.
The story takes place around 1905 in the fictional Ukrainian village of Anatevka where poor dairyman, Tevye, ekes out a living with his wife, Golde, and their five daughters. In accordance with tradition the village matchmaker is hard at work to find each of their three oldest daughters a husband. The girls, however, find their own beaus and defy Tevye in order to marry for love. During the course of all this hubbub Russia’s tsar orders a pogrom of the village and the entire Jewish population is expelled in a naked grab for territory. The final scene ends with the villagers bidding farewell to family and friends as they disperse to find a new home.
Taking on the iconic role of patriarch, Tevye, and also making his Circa 21 debut is Jacob Medich. One of my table companions pronounced him “the perfect Tevye.” What more can I say other than “ditto?”
The delightfully versatile Sarah Hayes as Golde returns for the fifth role I’ve seen her in at Circa and she continues to amaze with depth of her range from Morticia to Golde; she’s pure platinum. Hayes’ and Medich’s “Do You Love Me” number is funny yet touching and the ensemble number of “Sabbath Prayer” has a sacred sentiment that’s captivating.
Although this script dates from the so-called “old” musicals which, to be honest I prefer, is that it is one of those musicals that you come out of the theatre humming the songs. And I was absolutely thrilled that the Bootleggers pre-show reflected my sentiment by performing a medley of some of the most beloved songs from several of those early musicals like The King and I and Damn Yankees.
Becky Meissen once again has designed a unique set that captures the rural village with a skyline of onion domes looming over the village in the background reflecting the constant threat of Russian oppression.
You really don’t want to miss this show. In a world that may come tumbling down around you, it exemplifies hope and resilience. You’ll be humming the music all the way home.
Fiddler on the Roof continues at Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse, 1828 – 3rd Avenue in Rock Island through June 27th with matinee performances on Wednesdays, evening performances Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and Dinner performances on Sundays.
I’m Chris Hicks…break a leg.