Wonder of Wonders

REVIEW: Fiddler on the Roof

by David Anthony Fox

Another Fiddler on the Roof? Sounds crazy. But the little village of Anatevka, as seen on stage at the Walnut Street Theatre, is so full of life that the old show feels newly minted. Fiddler is an icon. For decades, the tale of Tevye, the Russian milkman "blessed with five daughters and a life of poverty" reigned as American theater's flagship celebration of that indomitable Broadway combination, musicals and Jews. Nearly everybody over 40 can sing along with "Sunrise, Sunset." So it's easy to take Fiddler for granted, to forget just how good it really is.

Consider the Bock and Harnick score, so rich in melody and sentiment, or Joseph Stein's book (based on Sholem Aleichem's stories), which by turns is folksy, funny and touching. Then there's Jerome Robbins' flavorful choreography. All these elements work together, including an opening number, "Tradition," that remains the touchstone of how to perfectly integrate story and character, song and dance.

Fiddler works so well at Walnut because everybody is vibrantly engaged. The actors seem exactly the right ages for the characters, which is critical to the multi-generational story (but surprisingly few Fiddler productions get it right). That makes for a Tevye who is more youthful than many, and — dare it be said? — even a little bit sexy. Mark Jacoby relishes every nuance of the character and his music, which he delivers splendidly, with cantorial flourishes. And the Walnut's ensemble is dotted with notable actor-singers (some of them Philly favorites) in powerhouse supporting performances. Among the best are Marcus Stevens' endearing Motel, Ben Dibble's funny Mordcha, Jennie Eisenhower's fabulous Fruma-Sarah and Lee Golden's scene-stealing Rabbi. Special kudos to the fiddler himself, Alexander Sovronsky, a fine musician and vivid stage presence. (The reduced, synthesizer-heavy pit orchestra is the only real disappointment.)

What more need be said? It's time to revisit Fiddler, and for younger audiences who may be going for the first time — what a treat you have ahead.