BWW Reviews: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Seattle’s Paramount

Seattle's Paramount Theatre is currently presenting the tour of the Tony winning classic "Fiddler on the Roof" starring the unstoppable force of nature that is Harvey Fierstein.  And while this show has never been one that I could get into, the cast infused it with enough heart and humor that even a non-fan like me had an enjoyable evening.

The show centers on Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman in a turn of the century Russian village.  Tevye is all about tradition but is having to face non-traditional ways as he deals with the changing ideals of his young daughters as well as the changing political climate brought forth by the Russian army.  The musical boasts some of the most familiar songs in musical theater, such as "Tradition", "Sunrise, Sunset", "Matchmaker, Matchmaker" and "If I Were a Rich Man".  And those are only in Act One.  So there's no reason I shouldn't like this show.  But for some reason I could never get into it.  And it doesn't help that the only other big production of it I saw had a cast so slow and plodding and lacking of heart that I had to leave at intermission.  But that is definitely not the case with this cast.

The performers here are light and funny and full of life.  And not just caricatures of these people but fully invested in playing real people facing real issues and real life.  The Matriarch Golde (Susan Cella) is strong and an equal for the overpowering Fierstein.  The daughters, Tzeitel, Hodel and Chava (Kaitlin Stilwell, Jamie David and Deborah Grausman) are lovely and know exactly who they are and what they want.  And their fun and frothy rendition of "Matchmaker" had the audience in the palm of their hands.  And their unsuitable suitors Motel, Perchik and Fyedka (Zal Owen, Colby Foytik and Matthew Marks) were wonderful equals for these strong women.  It's interesting, most people associate this show as being a great vehicle for men due to the ever present lead role of Tevye but with Golde and the daughters and Yente, the Matchmaker, there are many more strong female roles here.

But what of Fierstein?  I heard many people scoff when they heard he was touring with the show.  Yes, he's known for being a flamboyant gay man in life and in many of the roles he has played.  But that doesn't mean he's not also a very gifted actor and performer.  He commanded the stage every time he was on it (which is a lot of the show) and while his voice is not your typical musical theater voice, he held his own with these difficult numbers and turned in quite a singular performance.  He was sweet and loving and funny and still had heartbreaking moments of pain and doubt.  And his final breakdown and eventual forgiving at the end were some truly touching moments.  I've seen Fierstein play Edna in "Hairspray" and Uncle Winston in "A Catered Affair" not to mention his beautiful turn in the film of "Torch Song Trilogy".  But his wonderful performance here proves that he is a consummate performer who can play anything.

So all in all if this production can make even a skeptic like me find enjoyment in this show, then imagine what it will do for a fan of the piece.

"Fiddler on the Roof" plays at Seattle's Paramount Theatre through May 30^th.  For tickets or information contact them at 877-STG-4TIX or visit them online at www.tickets.com, www.stgpresents.org, or www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.

Photo Credit: Carol Rosegg

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