one4review | On 03, Oct 2013

Since it’s conception in the USA in 1964 and it’s first appearance on these shores in 1967, Fiddler on the Roof has had a number of runs and revivals both in the US and here. The first time I saw this show was in 1995 with Topol, the actor probably most associated with the leading role of Tevye on stage and screen then latterly with Paul Nicholas undertaking the pivotal role. Both did fine jobs so I was interested to see how Paul Michael Glaser, probably best known for his role as Starsky in the cult TV series Starsky and Hutch filled those rather large shoes.

The story centres on milkman Tevye and his family, wife Golda and five daughters who live in the village of Anetevka in Tsarist Russia around the early 1900s where the community is bound up with the traditional Jewish values and way of life. Times are hard for all as there is not much money around and the world is changing from the traditions embraced for generations. Tevye is prepared to bend only so far.

All the songs from this well loved show are faithfully performed from the iconic ‘Tradition’ through ‘Matchmaker’, ‘If I were a Rich Man’ and of course not forgetting ‘Sunrise, Sunset’ by a fine ensemble cast. Most musical theatre performers have to be ‘triple threats’ in so much as they need to be able to sing, dance and act, but this one takes it one step further as they are also the orchestra as well, playing they instruments while performing the song and dance numbers

This 2013 production is directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood, the ultra critical judge from BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing and I have to say that his input, together with his creative team was first rate. There was real flair in the direction, I was especially impressed with the staging of Tevye’s Nightmare sequence, the dancing routines were inventive and well executed, the amazingly versatile set was a work of art and the lighting design inspiring.

The performance I saw was the opening night of the tour and although there was an occasional missed sound cue this did not seriously detract from the thoroughly enjoyable evening and I can say not only did Glaser measure up to previous productions the whole cast did as well.

To find out the full tour dates checkout the website www.fiddlerontheroof.co.uk

Reviewed by Geoff