BWW Reviews: CDT's FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Goes for Nostalgic Connection

Family. Love. Faith. Change. Tradition. Those are the themes running throughout FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. Currently playing at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, FIDDLER is one of the most beloved musicals of our time. In fact, once you start watching it won't be long before you figure out why.

Keith Rice commands the stage as Tevye. His depiction of the poor milkman captivates you. His voice shines on "Sunrise, Sunset". Michelle Barber's Golde is wonderful. She has excellent comedic timing in "Tevye's Dream". She is the dutiful wife and homemaker supporting her husband and upholding their customs and traditions. Nancy Marvy as Yente the matchmaker and town gossiper is highly entertaining. Her first scenes with Michelle Barber are hilarious.

Resident Artistic Director Michael Brindisi, once again does a brilliant job staging and directing this amazingly talented cast. Choreographer tamara Kangas Erickson pulled from traditional Russian dances to add authenticity to the dances and moves seen throughout the show. Nayna Ramey's birch tree filled set design is perfect. The "forest" of birch trees not only cleverly hides the orchestra at the back of the stage, but also provides the background for the many locations seen throughout the show. Rich Hamson did an excellent job dressing this show. Each costume is unique to the characters and beautifully represents the clothing of 1905 in Russia. In the "Tevye's Dream" scene the design brilliance of Hamson shines in every brightly colored costume.

Rooted deep in family, faith and tradition FIDDLER is the perfect show to see with family. With musical theatre favorites like "Tradition", "Matchmaker, Matchmaker" and "If I Were a Rich Man" you will be humming along with the show.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF continues performances through February 22, 2014 at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. For more information on the show or to purchase tickets, visit the theatre's website.

Photo Credit: Chanhassen Dinner Theatres

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