The Broadway-revival of the beloved “Fiddler on the Roof” hit the Providence Performing Arts Center stage Tuesday night, combining the musical's classic songs — “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” “If I were a Rich Man” and “Sunrise, Sunset” — with modern energy.
First performed in 1964, this 2015 revival is as timely today with a story of a poor Jewish family living in the Russian territory of Anatevka in 1905 faced with the threat of eviction from the land they love mirroring events occurring in the Middle East today.
“Fiddler on the Roof” tells the story of Tevye, his wife, Golde and their five daughters trying to get by on very little with Russian violence looming over their village while his daughters grapple with the family’s traditions. While stuck in his own feelings of tradition, Tevye’s oldest daughter, Tzeitel, balks at the pre-arranged marriage agreed to by her father with a 62-year-old butcher and widower in town. She has instead fallen in love with a local, and very poor, tailor.
Tevye, known for always debating both sides with his humorous “on the other hand” dialogue, stresses that the butcher will provide for her while the tailor cannot. Tzeitel said that “even a poor tailor is entitled to some happiness” but for Tevye, it’s all about tradition.
“Without tradition, our lives would be as shaky as a fiddler on the roof,” said Tevye.
“What is more important than I am,” counters Tzeitel. “I will be unhappy all of my days.”
Poor Tevye. Once he gives in to one daughter, his other two oldest daughters follow suit, one even falling in love outside of her faith, a crushing blow to a man of "tradition."
Those who have always loved “Fiddler" will love the revival even more. All the things fans know and love, including other great songs like “Tradition,” “Far from the home I love,” “Miracle of Miracles,” are joyously present.
I was initially leery of Tevye’s character, played here by Yehezkel Lazarov, because it is so crucial to the musical’s backbone, but Lazarov is masterful in his portrayal, not only in his humor but more importantly, in his humility. His wife, Golde, played by Maite Uzal, is a perfect balance to Tevye’s imperfect ways, a strong woman who doesn’t give an inch. Watch for their especially poignant “Do You Love Me?” scene, it's one of the musical’s best.
Audiences will see some new additions including a beginning and ending narrator who transforms into the Tevye character (without changing the script) and some wonderful new dance routines to add some energy to the musical.
“Fiddler on the Roof” has only improved with age and this two hour and 50 minute performance (with intermission) is a delight for the whole family, especially your teenage daughters. I was worried that a revival could tinker with a great thing, but it only helped make it better than ever.
“Fiddler on the Roof”
Providence Performing Arts Center
Feb. 11-16, Wednesday at 7 p.m., Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 pm, and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $38-$98
Reservations: 401-421-ARTS (2787) or www.ppacri.org.