Fiddler on the Roof

Fiddler on the Roof
National Tour
Buell Theater
Denver, CO
June 11-16, 2019

Fiddler on the Roof is a show most people have heard of but few have seen. The current national tour is changing that.

The opening song is “Tradition.” It spoke of the strange customs of this devout Jewish group in the town of Anatevka in Russia. While it was lighthearted and energetic, it set the stage for the dark story ahead.

From the beginning, the choreography shone. It was lively and interesting with a clear influence on the Jewish and Russian culture. The performance of the songs was a perfect companion to the dance sequences. Since so many have iconic status, expectation were high and none were disappointing.

While Tevye seemed a bit young for the role, he was engaging. His relationships with family members were warm and believable. His daughters were difficult to tell apart throughout the show.

The sets were simple and effective. The use of the fly system at the Buell was fun to watch. It is rare to see so many pieces rising and falling through the performance. This technique allowed for quick set changes and a smooth flow of action.

The costumes were certainly appropriate for the period, however in many cases they were too similar to each other so identifying characters was difficult at times.

While the theme of family is one most audience members could relate to, the mindless persecution and religious rigidity were tougher to understand. Despite some audience members’ discomfort with the material, the message about refugees in Fiddler on the Roof is still relevant.