MAGNA — With its timeless themes and exploration into religion and family, it shouldn’t be a big surprise that Fiddler on the Roof is a musical often put on here in Utah. Despite the repetition, I always look forward to seeing it. My most recent opportunity was at the Empress Theatre in Magna, a theatre company that rarely disappoints, and certainly didn’t this time.
First introduced on Broadway in 1964, Fiddler on the Roof, featuring music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and book by Joseph Stein, was an instant classic—wowing both critics and audiences alike. Central to the many reasons for its success is that it’s a superbly well-rounded show. It can equally make an audience laugh, cry, swoon and feel inspired while being entertained with music and dance.
The familiar plot involves a poor Jewish milkman, Tevye, and his struggles as a father of several eligible daughters who fall in love with increasingly undesirable suitors. Themes of religion and tradition collide with modernity and oppression, as the strong hand of Imperialist Russia descends on Tevye’s quaint town.
In her director notes, Candice Jorgensen says “for our production, we treat the Fiddler as a Guardian Angel to Tevye. They are always there watching and trying to give comfort.” This approach was well executed and enjoyable as an audience member. For context, the stage at The Empress contains a main floor and a platform above the audience which is large enough for some action. For most of the production, the Fiddler (played by Aimee Pike) was on the platform, appearing to reinforce that message that God is watching over the characters and by extension, able to guide us as audience members through tough times as well.
Production closes September 14.
Tevye, played by Don Smith, is a warm and comforting patriarch / narrator over the proceedings. His endearing style of talk-singing makes the show more approachable for anyone in the audience hesitant to sit down for a 3-hour musical. There are times when he and other actors lean into theatrics a bit too much, and could dial their responses and reactions back some—but overall, Smith has good chemistry with the rest of the cast. When a cast of Fiddler feels like a community, it helps the audience feel the highs and lows of the story — and that’s what The Empress’ production delivers in spades.
The highlight of the production is the “Tevye’s Dream” segment, where he tells his wife Golde an elaborate dream to get her on board with their daughter Tzeitel marrying the poor tailor Motel. This is often the highlight of Fiddler because it allows for a great deal of creativity, and an opportunity for the production team to put their own stamp on the material. Here, Jorgensen and choreographer Bradley Baker design a sequence using black light and fluorescent paint to make for a wholly original take on the ghoulish dream. It might sound weird, but it really worked.
My other favorite performances were Marie Roe as Golde and Makayla Porter as Tzeitel. Not only do they have beautiful singing voices, they demonstrate some of the best acting of the night. Another highlight is the “Chavaleh” dance number where Tevye sings and both adult and young Chava dance. Other dance numbers are simple but done with great enthusiasm, which made them entertaining to watch.
I attended the opening night performance, and those involved must have been relieved that everything went off without a hitch. There were no microphone gaffes to speak of, which is always a victory in itself for a small community theater, and no real problems with sets, props or other production elements.
While I am not an expert on traditional Jewish costumes, everything designed by costumer Abbey Shelley appeared to be correct, including the tallit katan undergarment worn under the shirts and the hats and other head coverings. The other traditional aspects like the sabat and wedding seemed correct and done with care from my admittedly gentile perspective.
Fiddler on the Roof is a classic for many reasons, and The Empress Theatre’s production is worth heading over to Magna to see while you have the chance. It has a ton of heart and community spirit, and shows that community theatre is alive and well. It’s as magical as a fiddler on the roof!
These reviews are made possible by a grant from the Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts, and Parks program.
