Photos – Jeff BusbyFiddler very rightly holds a place as one the master works of musical theatre. Set in a time of turmoil it is a deft balance of exquisite music, heartrending life choices and the journey of change. It is a show that should be brimming with love and passion.
Tonight’s production was solid and serviceable. It looked smart, professional and featured some interestingly choreographed numbers and slick direction. But it didn’t actually move me much. And this show really should.
The set design worked admirably, comprised of a flat wall of 2D houses that come to life revolving to reveal the life within. Sadly that didn’t really happen with the performances. For the most part I felt they lacked heart.
Which was surprising because the producers had made the effort to cast actors in several key roles to carry this tale. Which was a pity because it really needed a few more singers. Some of the greatest numbers fell somewhat flat and lacked musicality.
The ensemble was convincing enough as a company, and there were a few satisfyingly meaty choral pieces, but the solo moments were often lacking vocal conviction. Whether it is the sound design restricting the soaring musicality of the score, or simply the limitations of the performers, what eventuates is a disappointing evening musically. It never quite fills the vast and lavishly embellished auditorium of the Capitol Theatre.
Carrying the show as Tevye is Anthony Warlow, definitely one of Australia’s finest musical talents. He moved me more than any other Phantom in a pantheon of Phantoms. His voice is musical and finely crafted. However I struggled to assimilate its pitch into the role of Tevye. It never seemed to anchor into the earth of Anatevka quiet as solidly as I had hoped. It was clear the production was aiming for a more casual modern tone. And Warlows Tevye was lighter, more rational and laconic than more regularly played. But these are very big shoes to fill, and any reinterpretation needs to reveal a different facet to the text. I missed more moments than I got, particularly in the delicate interactions between God and audience, which seemed so casual as to become somewhat off hand and meaningless. I rarely believed his struggle with tradition given his easygoing calm demeanor.
The highlight of the evening was Blake Bowdens Perchik. At last a voice that soared into the song, rendering one of the less inspiring pieces of composition into one of the more memorable songs of the night through performance alone.
Matched well by Monica Swaynes Hodel, this was the storyline I wanted to follow – the voices were strong and the performances convincing.
But if you’ve never seen Fiddler on stage you should go. It really is a great story and the strength of the writing carries this production to an acceptable if somewhat dry conclusion.
Produced by Tim Lawson for The Works Entertainment
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
book Joseph Stein | music Jerry Bock | lyrics Sheldon Harnick
Directed by Roger Hodgman
Venue: Capitol Theatre Sydney
Dates: until 8 May 2016
Bookings: www.ticketmaster.com.au
