REVIEW: Intimate Production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Opens 2009-2010 Season for Mustard Seed Theatre

Mustard Seed Theatre's production of Fiddler on the Roof is being billed as a more intimate staging, eschewing some of the elements of spectacle and scope that can often overwhelm this simple tale. This presentation succeeds by focusing our attention on Joseph Stein's characters, and their joyous celebration of life. It's also a good way to appreciate Jerry Bock (music) and Sheldon Harnick's (lyrics) delightful score, with the meaning coming through with clarity and precision. The cozy confines of the black box theatre on the campus of Fontbonne College provides a perfect space for this timeless classic.

Fiddler on the Roof is set during a period of great turmoil just prior to the Russian Revolution (1905). Tevye the milkman is struggling to maintain his traditions and values while his world is transforming around him. He is a poor man, and being Jewish, faces persecution and ridicule that tests his faith. Amidst this conflict, and despite the fact that tradition dictates that a matchmaker should be setting them up with potential suitors, he's also dealing with his three daughters, and their own particular notions of who their respective husbands should be. As part of an ongoing conversation with God he asks the rhetorical question: "I know we're supposed to be the chosen ones...but, couldn't you chose someone else once in a while?"

Jerry Russo is an authoritative presence as Tevye,and he handles his vocal chores well. The show is anchored by his character, and Russo handles the responsibility with humor and warmth. Lavonne Byers does nice work as his wife, Golde, and provides a good foil for Tevye's antics.

Laura Sexauer, Julie Venegoni and Natasha Toro are splendid as Tzeitel, Hodel, and Chava; the daughters who have begun to leave tradition behind in favor of finding their own paths in life. Ryan Cooper amuses as Motel, a weak-willed tailor that Tzeitel is smitten with, while Paul Pagano makes a favorable impression as the forward-thinking Perchik, who charms Hodel. Dylan Duke is solid as Fyedka, who woos Chava, despite their different beliefs.

Eleanor Mullin is a minor riot as Yente, the matchmaker, and Richard Lewis and Michael Brightman shine in a variety of roles. In fact, most of the cast doubles up or triples up on their parts.

Deanna Jent's direction is stellar as always, and I really do believe that this is the best way to approach this material, because it's a more personal approach. I actually saw a similar presentation by Cole Bean Bay last summer, and this production just reinforces my opinion on the matter. Joe Dreyer's music direction, as well as his on stage piano accompaniment, is assured. Dunsi Dai's set design works in concert with Jane Sullivan's muted costumes, and Michael Sullivan's lighting scheme, to evoke the atmosphere of the period with concise simplicity.

Mustard Seed Theatre's wonderful presentation of Fiddler on the Roof continues through November 22, 2009.