past productions | news articles - Fiddler on the Roof

Kings Theatre, Glasgow Fiddler on the Roof
I WONDER how many "dig-a-dig-a-dum's" have shrugged from the shoulders of the world,s Tevyes since Zero Mostel first brought Sholem Aleichem's amiable milkman to theatrical life? I've lost count of the number of productions of Fiddler On The Roof seen in Glasgow alone, and still the show packs them in. In fairness to Glasgow Light Opera Club, it is one of the few societies not to have staged the piece before, and since it's its 80th Birthday - well, why not?

The work has much to commend it; Joseph Stein's script, based on Aleichem's stories, vividly reflects Jewish lore in the Russia of shtetls and pogroms, and Jerry Bock's score, while not musically ambitious, appreciates traditional Jewish harmonies and prayer-like incantations. Bock's score is respectfully treated by the club with good choral sound and fine singing in even the most minor role, but Gordon Currie's musical direction takes an idiosyncratic approach to tempi.

In the many production numbers, Anne Ballantyne's direction seems constrained by some of the worst amateur traditions but shows a lighter touch in the more intimate scenes, while a bit of basic research into folkloric dances would enliven Effie McCowan's woeful choreography.

There are plenty of opportunities to ham it up in Fiddler, but most of this cast avoid outright caricature and there are a couple of very good performances indeed: Simon Christie's portrayal of Motel the tailor is particularly touching, and Eric Emmerson imbues Tevye with a gentle demeanour to complement a fine vocal technique. There is nothing wrong with Norma Walker's Golde that a foul temper wont cure (she's far too nice), and all five of Tevye's daughters are played with charm.

C. B.