Fiddler On The Roof
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre has arguably produced the theatrical treat of the summer (and possibly the year) with an audacious and timely revival of Fiddler on the Roof, a classic musical fable that has come at exactly the right time.
Set in the fictional village of Anatevka, we follow the struggles and hardships of milkman Tevye, who must navigate societal changes while setting his ambitions to marry his three daughters to suitable matches. While farcical at first glance, there is a deeper underpinning of Jewish settlements being forced out of their homes. It is a haunting concept, and the mounting sense of dread is encapsulated by the titular Fiddler, who remains on stage throughout, always present but never there. This gives the proceedings a spectral quality and never lets you forget about the horrors yet to come.
Having made a name for himself with the most recent Young Vic production of Oklahoma! (a revival which subverted the expectations of audiences), Director Jordan Fein proves himself to be capable when it comes to a classic revival. It is clear that he has respect for the source material but is brave enough to take the show in new directions. Throughout the first act, Fein plays up the farce and inter-family squabbles, which keeps proceedings light. This is all the more effective when we are suddenly hit with shocking scenes of antisemitism in an Act 1 closure, which left audiences reeling. Tonal shifts can be troublesome for a production, but Fein always justifies them in his storytelling. I would also like to highlight his decision to keep the ensemble present on stage and watching proceedings take place; this gave the show a grounded realism, in keeping with Chekov and Brecht.
Tom Scutt’s design is an earthy and rustic set, placed over two levels with wheat-covered roofs, blending seamlessly with the natural setting of the park. I was particularly struck by the uncanny similarity to a broomstick. Seeing the characters directly underneath made me strongly consider how the Jewish community was perceived in society, adding greater depth to the scenes of antisemitism.
Picking up the mantle from Jerome Robbins in terms of choreography is no easy task, but Julia Cheng gives the ensemble moments of balletic flair with a true sense of gusto. The production numbers are truly knockout, with the highlight being the bawdy "For Life."
From a casting point of view, the performances are world-class. Making his Regent's Park debut, Adam Dannheisser gives a layered portrayal of Tevye. He delivers equal amounts of comedy, exasperation, and likability, while also showcasing moments of stubbornness and resentment toward societal changes. It’s a complex role, but one that is performed with ease by this veteran performer. His love for his wife, Rifka, played beautifully by Noa Bodner, is encapsulated in Act 2's moving duet, "Do You Love Me?".
Special mentions must also go to Liv Andrusier as the most prominent of his daughters, Tzeitel. Building on the promise shown in her barnstorming performance as Annie Londonderry in Ride the Musical, Andrusier expertly grounds her character while also relishing the opportunity to go full-on nightmarish in Tevye’s dream.
After the horrific events in the UK in the last couple of weeks, I feel that Fiddler on the Roof is not just a classy revival of a classic, but a moving morality tale of acceptance and the need to look past one's prejudices. This message was always present in the original, but Fein brings it front and centre. I found myself incredibly moved by the sensitivity of how this was handled while also being entertained by the spectacle.
A bold revival and one that succeeded on every level. Fantastic. That is all.
This show was reviewed on the 6th August 2024 at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre where it runs until the 21st September2024. Tickets available here: Fiddler on the Roof | Open Air Theatre
Review written by Alex Farley
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Photo credit: Marc Brenner
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