HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2000-07-12, Page 19THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2000. PAGE 19.
Entertainment^ Leisure
Theatre review
Choreography makes ‘Fiddler’ a must-see
In a whirl
Brent Carver as Tevye and members of the company per
form one of several energetic dance numbers in the
Stratford Festival production of Fiddler on the Foot. (Photo
from the Souvenir 2000 program)
By Bonnie Gropp
Citizen staff
It would probably be enough see
ing the dazzling choreography in
Stratford Festival’s production of
Fiddler on the Roof. But as an added
bonus you get Brent Carver as
Tevye.
Carver wins you over with his first
scene displaying an endearing
earnestness, and self-deprecating
humour, that holds your affection
even when a darker side emerges.
The audience’s respect for his per
formance came by way of standing
ovation, one clearly, exclusively for
him.
But while the cast was worthy of
sharing his stage, the greatest com
petition for stealing the show comes
from the incredible dance numbers,
choreographed by Michael
Lichtefeld particularly those of the
male company.
To Life is an athletic, ambitious
number that’s a show onto itself,
while the wedding scene offers a hat
and bottle routine guaranteed to get
your attention. The numbers are so
well executed, so lively, that you’d
loved an encore.
As with most musicals the cast of
Fiddler is large, but centres primari
ly around one family, Tevye, his wife
Golde and their five daughters,
Tzeitel, Hodel, Chava, Shprintze
and Bielke.
The first number Tradition essen
tially establishes the central theme
behind much of what happens in the
play. Set in the first decade of the
20th century, Tevye finds himself
facing a changing world. His three
eldest daughters find love without
the help of a matchmaker and in two
instances without Tevye’s permis
sion. The modem world is creeping
into the small village of Anatevka
and Tevye is tom between tradition
and love for his daughters.
But set on the eve of the revoluti-
nary period in Russia, the play’s
underlying message is political and
in the end Tevye is forced to accept
an even greater change for himself,
his family and Anatevka.
The music by Jerry Bock with
lyrics by Sheldon Hamick is exhila
rating. From the rousing Tradition,
to the catchy If I Were a Rich Man to
the sentimental Sunrise, Sunset, they
maintain the spirit of the people, the
time and place.
Directed by Susan H. Schulman
Fiddler moves along briskly, helped
by a revolving floor that not only
makes for swift scene changes in
some instances, but also enhances
staging and choreography.
The cast, as mentioned earlier, do
a fine enough job, keeping their per
formances for the most part under
stated, a wise choice in light of
Carver’s earthy approach which
proves less is usually more. The one
who plays it over the top, Theresa
Tova as the matchmaker Yente,
though funny at first becomes a little
wearing after awhile surrounded by
more sincere portrayals.
In his opening monologue Tevye
explains that everyone in the village
of Anatevka could be called a fiddler
on the_roof, “trying to scratch out a
pleasant simple tune without break
ing his neck.” When it comes to the
world of the stage, this pleasing
Fiddler simply goes out and breaks a
leg. It is a must-see.
1At
July 16th
Love Mommy
Colley gets Humanitas nomination
‘UlUat CLio-und
dwutid
Happy Belated 40th
John Verwey
Stay & “Dae
for
Jeff Robinson
and
Erin Taylor
Saturday, July 22, 2000
8:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Seaforth Arena Floor
Tickets $5.00
Call 345-2107 or 522-1139
Love Cole, Shea, Brock
Lordy, Lordy
Keith is 40
HAPPY
BIRTHDAY
Humanitas Prize winners Alan
Alda of MASH and Steven Bocho of
Hill Street Blues fame may be joined
by recently nominated Blyth
Festival playwright Peter Colley.
The Prize, created 26 years ago,
honours film and television writers
whose work enriches and enlightens
their audiences. The nominated
scripts deeply probe the meaning of
human life, challenge the exercise of
human freedom, and motivate view
ers to reach out in respect and com
passion to their fellow human
beings.
The prizes and the $130,000 are
given to the writers whose work
expresses these values. The winners
will be announced at the annual
Humanitas Prize luncheon at the
Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles,
California on July 12.
Colley was nominated for his
episode of CBS Mythic Warriors
entitled Cadmus and Europa.
Colley’s stage plays have been
produced in 21 countries, 46 of the
50 states in the U.S. and every
Stompin’ Tom Connors
makes stop in Blyth
province in Canada. His credits at
Blyth include When the Reaper
Calls and I'll Be Back Before
Midnight. The scope of Colley’s
work includes writing for the CBS
Television series Due South and
Mythic Warriors.
Not one, but two of his plays will
be produced at the Blyth Festival
this summer. Stolen Lives - The
Albert Walker Story runs Aug. 1-19,
and back by popular demand When
the Reaper Calls runs Aug. 22 -
Sept. 2.
For information on booking tick
ets call 1-877-862-5984.
From Andre & the gang
• PARK THEATRE
With tales of Canadian humour
and foot-pounding music, Stompin’
Tom Connors will perform in Blyth,
Aug. 1, as part of his Stompin ’ Thru
2000 tour.
Known across the country for his
unique stylings and stories of the
common man, Connors kicked off
the fun at the Canada Day celebra
tion in Ottawa. He will open his tour
July 27 in Bobcaygeon before mak
ing several more stops through Aug.
16.
The Blyth show, at the community
centre, held in conjunction with the
Blyth Legion Ladies Auxiliary,
begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are available
from Reddi Chef in Clinton, Blyth
General Store and at Ernie King’s in
Goderich and Wingham.
Visa and Mastercard orders can be
placed by calling 1-800-465-7829.
Prices are $29.50 in advance and
$32 at the door.
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