“Fiddler on the Roof” is not for old people
18 Mar
Don’t get mad at me if you’re a fan of “Fiddler on the Roof,” but I thought the musical was for old people. Seriously, I saw the commercial on TV saying it was coming to Durham Performing Arts Center — with women swirling in their prairie skirts — and thought its target audience must be women in their 90s who longed for a simpler day. Still, I’m a huge musical fan, so I had to see what it was all about. And last night my mind was blown!
It was incredible. The lead character is Tevye, who is played by Chaim Topol, the same guy who played the role on stage in the 1960s and in the 1971 film. I didn’t think this was a big deal until I saw Topol on stage. That man owns the role. (He’s the guy in the center of the photo above. The pics were taken by Joan Marcus).
For a full review, check out the write-up by N&O reporter Jim Wise who says:
Almost 40 years later, Chaim Topol (who goes by just “Topol”) remains a master of timing and expression, using them to simultaneously convey humor and fatalism. He speaks, sings, dances, advances and recedes — always master of a role that could lead a lesser man to ham it up.
That he does it in person in a 2,800-seat hall speaks to the magic that endures undiminished in an age of whiz-bang electronics. This is, after all, an old-fashion musical with characters and stories augmented by lyrics you can make out through the amplifiers.
I hadn’t planned on telling you my take on the performance, but I was so impressed that it stuck with me when I woke up this morning. I was humming the music while I was getting ready for work this morning.
The music is funny and catchy. I had no idea that Gwen Stefani’s “Rich Girl” song was inspired by “If I Were a Rich Man.” And I truly believe Topol rocks that song way more than Stefani. His foot stomping and “yubby, dibby, dibby, dubs” were so fun to watch. I’ll have Topol’s version stuck in my head for days.
I’ve never seen a show on Broadway, so I’m not accustomed to seeing such gorgeous sets. But the set and the lighting last night were breathtaking. It was a beautiful display of sunsets and sunrises, moving trees and houses on wheels.
But there was one scene that will forever stick with me and makes the entire musical worth seeing. It’s a dream sequence, where Tevye (Topol, the lead guy) is making up a dream to convince his wife that their daughter should marry someone else. Anyway, in the middle of this well-choreographed and hilarious scene a GIGANTIC “woman” more than 10 feet tall walks on stage. (The photo below is actually not of the same “woman” I’m describing … sorry if this confuses you).
Upon closer inspection, you can see that it’s actually a man (Sean Patrick Doyle) on the shoulders of another man. The duo, hidden by a long, long dress dance in sync. The entire scene is remarkable and makes me wish I could watch it again.
If you go to the show (It will be in town through Sunday), let me know if you loved it as much as I did.
*UPDATE* My coworker, Josh Green, got to interivew Topol Wednesday afternoon. Thought I would share the clip so you could hear how amazing his voice is:
I have tickets to the Sat matinée. I am looking forward to it and will let you know how I like it.
I was going to tell you about Gwen Stefani/Eve song. Glad you made the connection. It’s a great musical.
I was also blown away. His presence in the room is enough!
Better – I am going again to the Saturday matinee. I just have to see it again!
My review of Fiddler on the Roof: http://scienceblogs.com/clock/2009/03/fiddler_on_the_roof.php
@Coturnix I so wanted to go see it again! I wish I could have. I loved your review of the show.
Did you see the Indy’s review? http://www.indyweek.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A337205
Yes, I linked to it and slammed the idiot
Is Fiddler appropriate for a 6 1/2 year old girl. I want to take her but will she enjoy it?