BWW Reviews: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF in Cincinnati

Now through February 27th, the Aronoff Center is paying homage to tradition with the national tour of Fiddler on the Roof.

A well-known story of family bonds and customs, this production stays true to the simple traditions of this classic tale. Many people know the basic story of Fiddler: a Jewish family steeped in their traditional customs of their small village in Russia must come to terms with social and political change. Tevye, the patriarch and a well-respected man in the village, has five daughters and while he laments he never had son, he values each of his daughters highly and helps them to find husbands. When his daughters begin to embrace the changing times, he finds it difficult to accept until he must also change his way of life.

John Preece, a man who also values tradition since this is his ninth national tour with Fiddler, portrays Tevye wonderfully. And with 1,500 performances under his belt as the patriarch milkman, Preece delivered the role as a professional with robust energy.

Two other standouts in the cast in particular were Kevin Strangler as Perchik and Andrew Boza as Motel the tailor.

The set feels pretty meager, yet then again, so are many of the lives in the small village of Anatevka too. The dance numbers have a great energy though and are fun to watch.

While there was some weakness with the cast, particular with the vocals, Fiddler on the Roof is still a solid musical that's enjoyable to see as much for the tradition as for the entertainment.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF will play the Aronoff Center from February 15-27, 2011: Tuesday through Friday evenings at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 2 & 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 1 and 6:30 p.m. Tickets range in price from $22.50-$64.50 and may be purchased online at www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com in person at the Broadway Across America Box Office downtown in the Mercantile Center at 120 E. 4th Street, and the Aronoff Center Box Office or by phone at 1-800-982-2787.