Porthouse Theatre’s ‘Fiddler on the Roof’...Yes...we love you!

The Broadway musical “Fiddler on the Roof” has been around for 61 years yet few know the story behind its creation. It began in the late 1800’s when “folkshrayer” (story teller) Solomon Rabinovich began publishing fictional tales of Jewish life in Europe.

Rabinovich immigrated to the United States at the turn of the 20th century but surprisingly his plays were not well received by the Jewish community who felt the stories to be old fashioned and based on experiences the community wished to forget.

Three years after Rabinovich’s death in 1916 Yiddish theater actor, Maurice Schwartz adapted eight of the original stories that roughly translated to “Tevye the Milkman”. Through the use of serious humor that balanced comedy with tragedy and farce it tells the hard life of Tevye and his life in Anatevka, Russia. Married to a no-nonsense wife Golda and raising five daughters he gets through life talking directly to God while reciting fractured biblical verses along with ones he makes up on the spot.

From these eight stories, five were woven by Jerry Bock (music), Sheldon Harnick (lyrics) and Joseph Stein (book) into the original script for the Broadway production of “Fiddler on the Roof”. It was during out of town tryouts that Jerome Robbins was brought on board as director and choreographer. Robbins worried about why so many of the audience members were leaving early. He asked, “What is this show about?” to which the answer “a milkman and his marriageable daughters” was suggested. Robbins said, “No, it is a show about traditions and a people’s falling away from them.” Thus the opening number was written and the show re-aligned with this new theme. Exits were replaced with standing ovations and theater history was made.

The Porthouse production begins with a Hebrew blessing sung by Noam Seigel setting an appropriate tone to the proceedings. As the story unfolds, Tevye tries in all manners to maintain traditions that have been handed down for generations of which most of the villagers cannot recall the original reasons for these practices (“Tradition”). It is 1905 in Tsarist Russia and sweeping political and social changes are happening across the country. The role of the shadchan (or matchmaker of arranged weddings) is being replaced by youngsters falling in love on their own. Tevye’s three older daughters lament on the matchmaking tradition as they are from a poor family (“Matchmaker”).

With his horse once again lame, Tevye is forced to pull the heavy milk cart himself. Taking a break he laments about being poor and asks God what would be so wrong if he was blessed with money (“If I Were a Rich Man”).

Traditions begin to further break down when Yente (Bernadette Hisey), the village matchmaker, visits with Golde (Lara Troyer) concerning her oldest daughter Tzeitel (Marianna Young). It seems that the widowed village butcher, Lazar Wolf (Mort Goldman) who is older than Tevye (Tim Culver) has shown an interest in the young girl. The problem is that Tzeitel has promised herself to her lifelong friend, Motel (Brad Motyer) the village tailor. Arriving into town is Perchik (Calder Meis) a student and revolutionary from Kyiv. He is invited to spend the Sabbath with Tzeitel and his family and in return for food teach the daughters (“Sabbath Prayer”).

Tevye meets with Lazar Wolf at the tavern thinking the butcher wishes to buy his cow. When it becomes clear that it is the eldest daughter the butcher is interested in they begin drinking in earnest (“To Life”). Tevye gives permission for Lazar Wolf to marry his oldest daughter.

The next day, Tzeitel manages to convince her father to renege on his promise to Lazar Wolf and give his blessing and permission for her to marry Motel (“Miracle of Miracles”). Tevye must then convince Goldie. Using the ruse of a nightmare he weaves a tale involving Goldie’s grandmother and Wolf’s deceased wife (“The Dream”). The ploy works and Tzeitel and Motel are wed (“Sunrise, Sunset”) but the reception is cut short when soldiers arrive to do damage (Tevye having been warned by the Constable (Rohn Thomas) of orders for an “example” to be made).

In order for any theatrical group to pull off a successful production of “Fiddler on the Roof” there are certain requirements. Most important is an orchestra familiar with cantorial and klexmer styles that fill the theater with a full sound. Costuming must match the time period and characters. The stage set must be functional and accessible. The actors must be convincing in speech and singing to sell their parts (after all everyone knows this show by heart).

In the case of Porthouse Theatre all of the above has been accomplished in grand style. Tim Culver as Tevye has the right balance of charm, wit, humility and tradition to pull off the role. Lara Troyer as Golde has a dialogue made up of zingers. Bernadette Hisey as Yente (matchmaker) and Grandma Tzeitel steals every scene that she is in. The three daughters played by Marianna Young, Ellie Stark and Chloe Lee Hall have wonderful presence and perfect harmony. The same is to be said of the girl’s “suitors” Brad Motyer, Calder Meis and Thomas Anstine.

Director Terri J. Kent keeps the story moving forward at a rapid pace. Martin Cespedes’ choreography is a master class in theatrical dance. Jennifer Korecki directs the great 11 piece orchestra. Tony Hardin’s stage design with the rolling insert works very well for a number of scenes. Suwatana Rockland (Pla) brings true authenticity to the costuming. Jakyung C. Seo lights up the stage in dramatic fashion and Jeff Polunas’ sound design sees to it that we do not miss a single nuance.

Porthouse Theatre has been putting on superb musical productions for over 50 years and each season seems to get better and better. Many patrons arrive hours before curtain to picnic and relax on the acres of spaciously treed green space. Those who have experienced Porthouse need no inducement but for those who have not made the drive it truly is worth it to see this Broadway gem.

The Porthouse Theatre production of “Fiddler on the Roof” will be on stage at the Blossom Music Center Grounds through August 11, 2025. For tickets and information go to http://www.porthousetheatre.com or call (330) 672-3884.