The Bushnell, Hartford, CT
through April 15, 2012
by Walter Haggerty
“Fiddler on the Roof,” considered by many to be the last
production deserving of inclusion in “The Golden Age of Broadway Musicals,” is
an especially enjoyable revival at the Bushnell. Opening night’s near-capacity
audience, many of whom were clearly familiar with the show, demonstrated their
appreciation with generous applause and a standing ovation at the conclusion.
John Peerce, on his tenth national tour of “Fiddler,” with
more than 1,780 performances as Tevye behind him, delivers an excellent
performance – humorous, heartfelt, touching when appropriate, but never over
the top. Gerri Weagraff, a youngish Golde, has her best moments with Peerce in
the Act II duet, “Do You Love Me?”
From “Tradition,” the opening number of the production, all
the way to the final strains of “Anatevka,” the score reflects the genius of
the composers in their ability to create songs that match the spirit of each
character and yet could stand alone independent of the award-winning, Joseph
Stein book. Following “Tradition,” the other favorite selections flow as a
lush, melodic bounty with “If I Were A Rich Man,” “To Life,” “Sunrise, Sunset,”
“Now I Have Everything,” and “Far From the Home I Love.”
As the daughters, Brooke Hills as Tzeitel, Sara Sesler as
Hodel, and Chelsey LeBel as Chava are each excellent in their distinctive
characterizations that allow their love for their parents to shine through
their desire for independence.
Asndrew Boza as Motel, the Tailor, gives a standout
performance, especially in his delivery of “Miracle of Miracles.” Also
impressive is Joshua Phan-Gruber’s
perceptive interpretation of the role of Perchik, the Student.
The choreography, credited to Director/Choreographer, Sammy
Dallas Bayes and Assistant Director and Choreographer, Ken Daigle, as
reproduced from Jerome Robbins original, is outstanding and a tribute to its
originator.
