The Village Theatre is beginning the new year with an old favorite. Fiddler on the Roof has so much to offer an audience. It's about the harshness of life, the importance of family, and the need for faith in a higher power.
The story takes place in Russia in the early 1900's. It revolves around a family of seven. The father Tevye is a Jewish milkman who believes in two things; God and family. He loves both with equal devotion.
His three eldest daughters are all old enough to get married and one by one (or rather two by two) they choose their husbands. The eldest Tzeitel wants the poor and nervous taylor Motel. The second daughter Hodel sets her sights on a tutor who is revolutionary. Chava on the othe hand takes the biggest risk of all by in falling in love with a Christian.
Marrying outside of ones religion was most uncommon back then, and Tevye (though a very loving father) can't make that compromise. Whatever your religion, this story is quite identifiable Everyone has family members who make decisions that one can't condone.
It is always a balancing act trying to figure out how much you can bend, without breaking your beliefs. Tevye does an extraordinary job of conveying this task as he copes with the jobs and tragedies of life.
The songs and the costumes are amazing. There is a song that was evidently cut out of the movie called Now I Have Everything, sung by Perchick and Hodel.
Eric Polani Jensen is phenomenal as Tevye. You may remember him as the Beast in Beauty and the Beast. In his acting he demonstrates great range as he shows how heart-broken he is. His Tevye is a marvel.
Village Theatre veteran Bobbi Kotula plays the mother Golde who is a stubborn, yet kind woman. Her scenes with Jensen are funny and moving.
Tzeital, the eldest daughter is played by Jennifer Weingarten. She has been in a few Village Theatre productions, and hopefully will continue to do so.
Joshua Carter plays the timid intended Motel. He is wonderful in this part, who does what many should do; fights for his happiness.
The second daughter Hodel is played by Emily Cawley. She is very delightful and then descends into a hard new life.
Aaron C. Finley plays the defiant Perchick. He is cursed with the knowledge of the extraordinary injustices of this world, but is hopeful enough to try to change it.
Mara Solar plays the third daughter Chava who crosses the line with her choice. She has a hard journey ahead of her. Solar's performance is quite moving.
Mike Spee plays Chava's groom. Altough he isn't seen as much as the other two grooms, he is there long enough to make a favorable impression.
The funny and medding matchmaker Yente is played by Laura Kenny. And Matthew Posner plays the first potential husband of Tzeital. You shouldn't miss this lovely story that will make you laugh and cry.
Fiddler on the Roof is playing at the Everett Performing Arts Center January 4-27, 2013 For Ticket Information Call: (425) 257-8600
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