"Fiddler on the Roof" - by Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick & Joseph Stein - North Shore Music Theatre (Beverly, MA.) - REVIEW
(Cover Photo: The CAST of the musical, "FIDDLER ON THE ROOF" by Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick & Joseph Stein, now playing at Bill Hanney's North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, MA. through June 16, 2024. Photo © Paul Lyden)
By Emily D. Baldwin
Special METRMAG Correspondent Reviewer
# 774-242-6724
“May God bless and keep the Tzar far away from us!”
- ("Rabbi") / Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick & Joseph Stein
North Shore Music Theatre
Presents the Iconic Musical
"FIDDLER ON THE ROOF"
Music by Jerry Bock
Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick
Book by Joseph Stein
Based on Sholem Aleichem stories by special permission of Arnold Perl
Directed by Robert W, Schneider
Choreographer Josh Assor
Music Director Miles Plant
Associate Director Zack Steele
Produced on the New York Stage by Harold Prince. Original New York Stage Production Directed by Jerome Robbins.
Cast Includes: Jeremy Radin* as “Tevye,” Alaina Mills* as “Golde,” Ellie Fishman* as “Tzeitel,” Melody Munitz as “Hodel,” Sophie Aknin* as “Chava,” Adalyn Daly as “Shprintze” (June 5 (7:30pm), 7, 8 (8pm), 12 (2pm), 13, 15 (2pm) & 16), Bobbie Celine Doherty as “Shprintze” (June 4, 5 (2pm), 6, 8 (2pm), 9, 11, 12 (7:30pm), 14, 15 (8pm)), Stella Centore as “Bielke” (June 4, 5 (2pm), 6, 8 (2pm), 9, 11, 12 (7:30pm), 14, 15 (8pm)), Madeline Zechman Frontierro as “Bielke” (June 5 (7:30pm), 7, 8 (8pm), 12 (2pm), 13, 15 (2pm) & 16), Kathy St. George* as “Yente,” Jordan Matthew Brown* as “Motel,” Ari Axelrod* as “Perchik,” Patrick Wetzel* as “Lazar Wolf,” Jonathan Hashmonay as “Mordcha,” Robert Saoud* as “Rabbi,” Andrew Leggieri* as “Mendel,” Billy Goldstein as “Avram,” Daniel Pahl* as “Nachum,” Mary Callanan* as “Grandma Tzeitel,” Elora Von Rosch as “Fruma-Sarah,” James Turner as “Constable,” Tyler Okunski* as “Fyedka,” Elora Von Rosch as “Shaindel,” Felix Herbst as “Fiddler.” Villagers Of Anatevka: Parker Aimone, Ryan Blackson, Mary Callanan*, Connor Coughlin*, Billy Goldstein, Ofer Gordon, Jonathan Hashmonay, Felix Benjamin Herbst, Rachel Kay, Andrew Leggieri*, Meagan Lewis-Michelson, Kayden Oliver, Daniel Pahl*, Robert Saoud*, Tori Sicklick, Elora Von Rosch, Nicole Weitzman, Matt Wiercinski.
Creative Team Includes:
Owner/Producer - Bill Hanney; Producing Artistic Director - Kevin P. Hill; General Manager - Karen Nascembeni; Director of Marketing & Communications - Mike Ceceri; Marketing Associate - Michael Galvin; Director of Education - Kyla Moulton; Finance Manager - Diane Ford; Finance Associate - Kathy Carnevale; Director of Corporate & Community Relations - Kirk P. Mansfield; Production Photography - Paul Lyden; Videographer - Award Productions; Accounting Firm - CompCo Associates; Legal Counsel - Tom Alexander, Alexander & Femino; Director of Patron Services - Suzanne Kendall; House Manager - Jackie Rapisardi; Director of Facilities - Heather Romani; Facilities Manager - Rick Dunn; Associate Producer/Casting Director - Matthew Chappell; Production Manager - Joe Fanning; Assistant Production Manager - Scott G. Nason; Company Manager - Amanda Ostrow-Mason; Assistant Company Manager - Andrea Shairs; Musician Contractor - Jay Daly; Technical Director - Mark Vagenas; Assistant Technical Director - Mike Gove+; Carpentry Lead - Myles McMann+; Assistant Carpentry Lead - David Adriance+; Carpenter - Andrew Duggins+, Abbey Kulhavy+; Stage Ops Lead - Derek Hodge+; Mechanics Ops - Ben Florance+; Run Crew - Colin Cleary+, Aurora Hannisian+, Maggie Martin+, Melanie Raimo+, Thomas Edwards+; Lighting Lead - Sheila Donovan+; Assistant Lighting Lead/Programmer - Thom Brabant+; Electrics Lead/LX Board Operator - Isabel Samuel+; Spot Ops - Andrew Reynoldsl+ , Finnian Twichell+; Electrician - Colin Cleary+, Thomas Edwards+,Kevin Parker+, Andrew Reynolds+; Props Lead - Adam PJ Nicol+; Assistant Props Lead - Hannah Sotnek+; Props Crew - Melanie Raimo+; Sound Lead - Adam Bates+; Assistant Sound Lead - Eddie Pizzano+; Mic Tech - Beth Truax+; Paints Lead -. Amelia Gossett+; Assistant Paints Lead - Shannon "Soks" Gemma+; Scenic Artists - Julia Garrison+; Costume Shop Manager - Kelly Baker; Assistant Costume Shop Manager - Joellen Olari; Wardrobe Supervisor - Kat Shanahan; Lead Dresser - Joey Pisano; Stitcher/Wig Maintenance/Dresser - Anna Corinne Lee; Stitcher /Dressers - Rebecca Glick, Samantha Wolfrum, Phoebe Singer, Hannah Klein; Production Stage Manager - Stephen MacDonald*; Assistant Stage Managers - Dakotah Wiley Horan* and Maria Papadopoulos*
*Members of Actors’ Equity Association
+Those notated are represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employee
Performances:
June 4, 2024 through June 16, 2024
(Contact Box Office for Exact Times)
TICKETS:
For tickets and information visit www.nsmt.org, call # 978-232-7200, or visit the North Shore Music Theatre box office in person at 54 Dunham Rd., Beverly, MA.
COVID 19 PROTOCOLS
Contact Venue for Most Updated COVID-19 Safety Protocols and Information.
Bill Hanney's North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) brings “to life” the musical "FIDDLER ON THE ROOF" in Beverly, with a beautiful, visually spectacular "in-the-round" production that is both innovative and exciting.
The musical is derived from a book of stories by author Sholem Aleichem.
After premiering in 1964, "FIDDLER ON THE ROOF" was the first musical in Broadway history that had a theatre run to surpass 3,000 performances.
It also held the record for the longest-running Broadway musical for almost 10 years (until “Grease” surpassed it).
The original musical production featured the incomparable Zero Mostel as lead character “Tevye” and won nine Tony® Awards, including ones for Best Musical, Score, Book, Direction and Choreography.
After the success of the highly successful show, an Oscar®-winning film adaptation starring actor Topol as "Tevye" was made in 1971 under acclaimed director Norman Jewison.
The film was nominated for 13 Academy® Awards and won nine altogether.
Now, this latest production by NSMT continues to contribute to the ongoing legacy of fine stagings.
(Photo: The CAST of the musical, "FIDDLER ON THE ROOF" by Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick & Joseph Stein, now playing at Bill Hanney's North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, MA. through June 16, 2024. Photo © David Costa Photography)
At the beginning of the musical, a desk rises out of the floor with a young man, the Fiddler (Felix Herbst), standing on top, playing his fiddle.
Suddenly, the familiar opening music of "FIDDLER" begins and we are instantly transported back into the beginnings of the 20th century.
We find ourselves in the tiny village of Anatevka, occupied by a peasant but functioning populace under an oppressive pre-revolutionary Russia of the Czars and his occupying soldiers.
Reb Tevye (Jeremy Radin) is a struggling village milkman who leads us into one of the most famous show openers in musical history, “Tradition.”
Radin as Tevya is able to give a heartwarming, but also comedic relief vibe to the character.
His physical comedy was incredible, yet Radin also brought a sincerity to the role, as well.
Radin was able to perfectly balance the two sides of Tevya.
Throughout the song, Tevye describes where we are and who we will encounter throughout the show.
It is a brilliant show construct that has lasted almost 60 years.
All families and neighbors immediately become familiar to us and we find ourselves caring about them and their lives almost as much as their fellow neighbors.
Much of this is due to the combination of the show’s book by Joseph Stein, music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick (and with original choreography & direction by Jerome Robbins).
(Photo: Sophie Aknin as “Chava,” Ellie Fishman as “Tzeitel” and Melody Munitz as “Hodel” in a moment from the musical, "FIDDLER ON THE ROOF" by Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick & Joseph Stein, now playing at Bill Hanney's North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, MA. through June 16, 2024. Photo © David Costa Photography)
The choreography for the NSMT production by director Robert W. Schneider, with choreographer Josh Assor, incorporates Jewish traditional movements which adds an element of authenticity and an astounding burst of energy.
While focused on a Jewish cultural and historical moment, the overall story of "FIDDLER ON THE ROOF" transcends any one race, nationality, class and religion with its universal appeal.
Tevye describes how both Jews and Orthodox Christians live a tense, unsettled existence in Anatevka balancing a peace between them like the aforementioned “fiddler on the roof.”
Tevye is not a rich man (although he amusingly dreams about being one, describing such a life in detail in the wishful thinking song, “If I Were A Rich Man”) and one married for 25 years to his wife, Golde (Alaina Mills).
Mills gives a resolute portrayal of the no nonsense, ever-practical Golde, who sometimes comes across more as Tevye’s employer than spouse.
But then, slowly we see how this couple could never not be together.
Mills is equally as entertaining as Golde as Radin is as Tevye. Together, it makes their scenes together some of the funniest of the night.
Tevye and Golde have five daughters.
They only want the best for their children which, to them, comes in the form of loving, providing husbands, which they include in their prayer for their daughters during the emotionally somber homage to Jewish Sabbath Prayer, “Sunrise, Sunset.”
Among the traditions of the Jewish community, it is Yente the Matchmaker (Kathy St. George) who arranges the “match” for weddings of neighboring families and the father approves it.
Yente's important matrimonial function becomes challenged by the changing times and the danger of couples who seek to choose their own mates…their own loves.
(Photo: Kathy St. George as "Yente" with Elora von Rosche in a moment from the musical, "FIDDLER ON THE ROOF" by Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick & Joseph Stein, now playing at Bill Hanney's North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, MA. through June 16, 2024. Photo © Paul Lyden)
Almost instantly, it seems as if their prayers might be answered as Yente arranges a match for oldest daughter, Tzeitel (Ellie Fishman) to old widowed butcher Lazar Wolf (Patrick Wetzel).
Audiences tend to overlook the humor in this show but, thankfully, St. George as Yente reminds them as she brings the funny in “The Rumor/I Just Heard” sequence - enjoyable in helping to bring some laughter into a very heavy second act.
Young Tzeitel is horrified at this prospect even though it would greatly benefit the family as Lazar Wolf is considered a wealthy man in the village.
However, Tzeitel is in love with poor yet aspiring village tailor Motel Kamzoil (Jordan Matthew Brown).
After meeting with Lazar Wolf, Tevye agrees to the wedding and, under one of the most rousing numbers in the show “To Life,” a pact is made for a joining of their houses.
The dancing in the above number is vibrant, raucous, rowdy and absolute fun.
“To Life” is a fine showcase for the male dance ensemble which really stands out in the NSMT production, as their dancing provides some of the best moments in the show.
Later during the wedding scene, the “Bottle Dance” sequence is well executed, too.
The choreography is excellent throughout, highlighting the ensemble’s overall incredible capabilities.
Tzeitel and Motel confess their love to Tevye and seek his permission for them to get married.
After a series of arguments, Tevye ultimately relents, giving them his permission (although he has no clue how to break the news to Golde).
Motel beams at his good fortune as he sings "Miracle of Miracles."
Jordan Matthew Brown uses his voice well to display the relief and awkward delight Motel feels in the above number.
In Tevye's dream, Fruma-Sarah (as portrayed by Elora Von Rosch) is simply phenomenal, her voice leaving the audience with chills.
The dream sequence as a whole was very well done.
Later, Tevye discovers a similar situation when his second oldest daughter, Hodel (Melody Munitz), and radical socio-political student Perchik (Ari Axelrod) also decide to marry each other - only this time they are not seeking Tevye’s approval – merely his understanding, his acceptance and his blessing.
Similar to Brown, Axelrod is also quite solid in his performance as the rabble-rousing Perchik.
(Photo: The CAST of the musical, "FIDDLER ON THE ROOF" by Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick & Joseph Stein, now playing at Bill Hanney's North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, MA. through June 16, 2024. Photo © Paul Lyden)
Many familiar musical numbers from the score are still performed flawlessly including “Matchmaker, Matchmaker”
As the three older sisters, Fishman and Munitz with Sophie Aknin who plays third daughter, Chava, give a charming rendition of “Matchmaker, Matchmaker."
This number establishes the closeness of the family for the entire musical, and they do a wonderful job. Each actress is simply amazing in their respective parts in the show.
Chava also decides to get married, but to a member of the Czar troops and a Christian, Fyedka (Tyler Okunski).
Tevye attributes this as marrying an enemy as the Czar troops seek the ouster of the villagers which Tevye sees as an eventuality.
As such, he will not accept their union.
When Chava and Fyedka elope to marry, Tevye completely rejects Chava and tells Golde that Chava is now "dead" to them.
Chava’s carriage scene with Tevya in the second act is one of the most notable scenes in the entire show, an example of many exceptional directorial decisions.
Continuously throughout the show, Tevye is challenged - forced to accept many new values which directly oppose his long-held beliefs.
The same applies to many of the residents of Anatevka.
How they deal with these changes to their norm is what has made this show so special for many.
The emotions range from how family treats family, how neighbor treats neighbor, how spouse chooses spouse and how love and faith is embedded in all these things and more.
(Photo: The CAST of the musical, "FIDDLER ON THE ROOF" by Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick & Joseph Stein, now playing at Bill Hanney's North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, MA. through June 16, 2024. Photo © David Costa Photography)
Technically, even in this somewhat minimalist production in the round, the show is a marvel, and costumes are kept wonderfully period-specific.
Lighting is marvelously inventive, pinpointing isolated sections of the stage to highlight all the action as needed.
Ultimately, Tevye guides us through the overall emotional musical odyssey and by the end of the show, we may find that the odyssey for the people of Anatevka, is only just beginning.
This is a joyous production with much to recommend it.
Coming up next at Bill Hanney's North Shore Music Theatre: Disney's "FROZEN" by Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez and Jennifer Lee beginning July 9th.
For tickets and information visit www.nsmt.org, call (978) 232-7200, or visit the North Shore Music Theatre box office in person at 54 Dunham Rd., Beverly, MA.
Approximately two hours, 45 minutes with one intermission.
Kevin T. Baldwin is a member of the American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA)
@MetrmagReviews
@Theatre_Critics
ABOUT THE SHOW
Revisit one of the world's most beloved musicals.
"FIDDLER ON THE ROOF" follows Tevye, a poor milkman who is searching for husbands for his daughters to uphold his family’s religious and cultural traditions in their small pre-revolutionary Russian village.
Featuring the classic Tony® and Oscar®-winning score including “Tradition,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Sunrise, Sunset” and “Matchmaker, Matchmaker.”"FIDDLER ON THE ROOF" is a generational musical tradition for the whole family!
RUNNING TIME: Approximately 2h 45m (includes intermission)
CONTENT ADVISORY: This production has depictions of lightly staged violence and prejudicial persecution. Recommended for all audiences. We do encourage you to use your judgment based on your own research of the show, your own sensibilities, and a child's age and maturity level.
No children under the age of 4 will be permitted in the theatre including babes in arms.
ABOUT BILL HANNEY'S NORTH SHORE MUSIC THEATRE
Since opening in 1955, NORTH SHORE MUSIC THEATRE (NSMT) has become one of the most attended theatres in New England, with approximately 250,000 patrons annually. With a national and regional reputation for artistic achievement, NSMT has received numerous industry awards including Elliot Norton Awards, IRNE Awards, the Rosetta Le Noire Award from Actors' Equity, and the Moss Hart Award. NSMT produced the World Premiere of "Memphis" in 2003, the show went on to win four 2010 Tony Awards including Best Musical. Under the new ownership of Bill Hanney since 2010, NSMT continues to annually produce a musical subscription series and an annual production of "A Christmas Carol" along with celebrity concerts, children's programming and year-round education classes for children and adults.
54 Dunham Road
Beverly, MA 01915
PHONE # 978-232-7200
FAX # 978-232-9999
northshoremusictheatre@nsmt.org
