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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. CRIIMI: STOPPERS 1-800-222-T1PS KEB TWIN CINEMA 11 SURROUND SOUND STEREO [■ LISTOWEL 291-3070 STARTS FRIDAY CINEMA 1 7 & 9:15 PM X-MEN PG CINEMA 2 7 & 9:15 PM THE pc PERFECT STORM GEORGE CLOONEY 6:45 & 9:15 PM NIGHTLY VIOLENCE —I'1'* —“T 9:15 PM NIGHTLY Brenda and Kay Love, your family FRI.-THURS. JULY 14-20 X-MEN THE FUTURE IS HEHE. 6:45 PM NIGHTLY Gf.ORGF CLOONEY MARK WAHLBERG PERFECT STORM |_PG_J frightening scenes L0N6 DISTANCE? CALL 1-800-265-3438 FOR TOLL FREE MOVIE INFO