A classic tale that strikes one's inner need for family is being honored through its superior performance by UB students.
"Fiddler on the Roof," written by Joseph Stein with music and lyrics by Jerry Boch and Sheldon Harnick, and directed by musical theater chair Lynne Kurdziel-Formato, currently graces the stage of the Center for the Arts Drama Theatre. Performances run through Saturday.
In the small Russian town of Anatevka, Tevye (Jeffrey J. Coyle) is faced with a most difficult decision: to insist on his Jewish tradition at all costs, or to give into the wishes of his three eldest daughters. Their traditions, which range from patting a kiss on the mezuzah that adorns each Jewish home's doorway, to keeping men and women separated at weddings, are held tight by Tevye, whose power is put to the test by his three girls. When each of his daughters falls in love, however, Tevye must decide what is most important: his faith or his daughters' happiness.
"How can I deny everything I believe in? On the other hand, how can I deny my own child? On the other hand, how I can turn my head on my own faith, my purpose?" Tevye's thoughts turn over in his mind as he weighs the pros and cons of his daughters' engagements.
For Tevye, his daughters' actions are not the only hardships he confronts. Working as a milkman, Tevye and his family lived in poverty at a time when Jews were mistreated and suffering through persecution and trial. Their hardships were enough to cause the family discomfort, but not to destroy their spirit.
Sarcastic but jolly, temperamental but fair, Tevye highlights the show with his humorous lines and perfected dance steps. Questioning God, but laughing at his own misfortunes, Tevye is a loveable character.
"It's true, we are the chosen people, but once in a while, can't you choose someone else?" Tevye jokes.
Coyle plays the wise patriarch well, making his hostile hollers unkind, but his light-hearted love for his family moving. The dynamic relationship that exists between Tevye and his wife, Golde (Hallie Clarke), is amusing as they battle for control of the family.
Tzeitel, Hodel and Chava are three of Tevye and Golde's blossoming daughters, played by three lovely actresses: Joanie Alberti, Libby Schug and April Newdorf, respectively. Their youth and excitement with love is captivating, and creates strong-willed characters that are admirable.
Erica Giglio plays the role of Yente, the town matchmaker, and does so superbly. The boisterous gossip mill of the community, Yente's belief in tradition ties directly into her status of employment.
Every other role is more than aptly filled. The company is well versed in their characters' songs, dances and lines. Dyan O'Connell's set, which consists of brightly colored shapes for any necessary building is functional, but proves an elaborate set is unnecessary to the relationship-driven play.
The audience is most awe-stricken by the play at times when all elements combine to form one outstanding spectacle. When Tevye must explain to Golde his approval for Tzeitel's engagement to the poor tailor, Motel (Thomas P. DeTrinis), he invents a nightmare. The phenomenal enactment involves Grandma Tzeitel (Lindsay Rogan) and Fruma Sarah's (Laura Dlug) return from the dead in which Tzeitel's engagement to the butcher is threatened, and her marriage to Motel advised.
With an extraordinary number of cast members, the disjointed spectacle is creepy and thrilling. The song is a surprise in the show's otherwise un-flashy score.
Another visually stunning scene is the wedding between Tzeitel and Motel, during which a group of men perform the show's famous "bottle dance" sequence. Seven men - Christopher Fishburne, Rashaan James, Jason Kassirer, Elliot Kleinburd, Troy Parsons, Matthew Rossi and Adam Zelasko - dance with bottles balanced atop their hats. It is an amazing feat by the men, and requires high levels of concentration and precision.
As promised by the actors of the play, it is truly the familial bond and emphasis on tradition that make this play so moving.
"Fiddler on the Roof" is onstage at the CFA Drama Theatre through Saturday. Student tickets cost $6 and can be purchased at the CFA box office and all Ticketmaster locations.
