By Dr. Rachele Stoops
Fiddler on the Roof, Lincoln Community Playhouse, Friday February 14, 2025
Even if you’ve never seen Fiddler on the Roof, you’ve probably encountered references to it in modern culture. The vigorous notes of the opening song, ‘Tradition’ , and the poignancy of ‘Sunrise, Sunset’ have been woven into conversations and artistry since the musical opened on Broadway in 1964. Based on autobiographical stories written by Sholem Aleichem between 1894 and 1914, Fiddler on the Roof is considered a classic in the world of musical theatre.
Although I’d seen the show before (a surprisingly impressive performance by middle school actors in 1993), there were plenty of things about it I’d forgotten. I’d remembered it as a mostly maudlin story, sort of a ‘just when you think it can’t get more depressing, it does!’ theme.
I was completely mistaken.
Lincoln Community Playhouse’s performance of Fiddler on the Roof, co-directed by Morrie Enders and Ted Blessing, is joyful, energetic and funny. The leads are strong, and the large, multigenerational ensemble provides a vibrant foundation on which Tevye (played by Aaron Robinson) and his family live their lives.
The set, designed by Douglas Clarke, is absolutely gorgeous. The backdrop features rows of decorative windows, lit and unlit depending on the scene. Other set pieces are flown in or moved to change the location. The backdrop seemed a little fancy for a poor family in a poor village, but it is beautiful.
The story follows Tevye, a husband and father of five daughters, as he ekes out a living in the small Jewish village of Anatevka in Russia, circa 1905. Life is difficult but predictable, until Tevye and his wife, Golde (Aly Carlson) have to find husbands for their older daughters.
My favorite parts of this show – well, okay, I have several favorites. First, the choreography by Blessing is jaw-dropping. (In the interest of full disclosure, I was once in a cast choreographed by Blessing, and I got closer to actual dancing than I’ve ever been in my life.) The dancing is recognizably both traditional and modern, and often seems gravity-defying.
I couldn’t get enough of Tevye’s chats with his God, placed as asides to the heavens. For an old-fashioned papa, Tevye is surprisingly open-minded and humble, and is able to follow his heart when tradition and love go their separate ways. His comfortable relationship with his faith keeps him grounded in a way we don’t necessarily expect, and lets the audience peek into his head to see his motivations and his sense of humor. In a life that would make most men grimace, Tevye finds joy.
The cast as a whole is so much fun to watch. Standouts are Kent Steen as Avram, newcomer Kris Peterson as Yente the Matchmaker, Lyn Leach as Lazar Wolfe, and Xander Baker as the Russian soloist. Baker’s voice is absolutely heavenly. Tevye’s whole family, including wife Golde and daughters Tzeitel (Annaliese Saathoff), Hodel (Emma Cassidy) and Chava (Vivian Ostrander) are exceptional, and the young men in their lives (Noah Stussie, John Heldridge, and Shane Daughtrey) are fantastic as well. The ensemble never faltered, and I could have listened to the pit orchestra playing the score by itself!
Fiddler on the Roof is a must see show, and this production is one you don’t want to miss.
If you go: Fiddler on the Roof performs February 15 – 16, February 21 – 23, and February 28 – March 2. Tickets are still available for February 28 – March 2. Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30pm; Sunday matinees at 2:00pm. Ticket information at https://www.lincolnplayhouse.com.
Dr. Rachele Stoops teaches English and directs the theatre program at Lincoln Standing Bear High School (which is why she hasn’t been on stage in years). She shares a home with her grumpy chihuahua, Cecil, and enjoys spending time with her grown up children. In her free time, Rachele makes jewelry, bakes cookies, and plays Block Blast on her phone.
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