Stage Review: His exhausted Tevye never gets tiresome

Photo by Joan Marcus, Joan Marcus

Chaim Topol again triumphs as milkman Tevye, who'd like to stop the world but can't halt his daughters from growing up or falling in love.

The one-word chorus -- "Tradition!" -- repeated in the opening number of "Fiddler on the Roof," is a major theme of the evergreen musical. It's also the most apt description of the major touring production playing through Sunday at the Orpheum theater.

Photo by Joan Marcus

Chaim Topol again triumphs as milkman Tevye, who'd like to stop the world but can't halt his daughters from growing up or falling in love.

Visually, there's no significant attempt to bring "Fiddler" into the 21st century. The sets are simple structures on wheels, which spin and unfold into the Russian village of Anatevka. Simplicity always has worked and it will keep working, because "Fiddler" is about spirit, not showiness.

The costumes never change, dictated by the historical nature of the show. In this and all future productions of "Fiddler," the principal characters will dress as Russian Jews circa 1905, wearing simple work clothes, headscarves for the women and hats for the men.

The music for the production sounds full and authentic, underscoring the drama with just the right amount of emotional tug, which is to say, your heartstrings are played like a fiddle.

Perhaps the most traditional aspect of this excellent production is the man playing the lead character.

Chaim Topol, now 73, is famous worldwide for playing Tevye the Milkman in the 1971 film version of the musical. Nearly 40 years later, he's still at it, and unlike other performers past their primes in legacy roles (think of the late Robert Goulet as an ancient King Arthur during his last tour of "Camelot"), Topol still fits the part.

His deep, resonant voice hasn't changed, nor has the weary physicality of his belabored milkman. His Tevye has the slightest limp in his walk and a heaviness of spirit that carries the weight of the world. It was true when he first played Tevye in his 30s, and it's the same today.

While his character seems eternally exhausted from his labors, wondering what life would be like "If I Were a Rich Man," Topol doesn't appear to be tired of the role. In fact, watching him in his signature persona is a complete joy. His understated, finely nuanced performance is a contrast to the flurry of village life around him.

Tevye is an old soul who would probably make the world stand still if he could. But he cannot prevent his daughters from growing up or falling in love. It's an old story, but one that still has an impact.

Directed by Sammy Dallas Bayes, this "Fiddler on the Roof" is a vibrant production with a cast that brings out the hearts of the characters. The dance numbers, particularly the bottle dance at the wedding, has panache and style.

Traditionalists will think they have died and gone to heaven with this tour. And for those just seeing the show for the first time, this might be the production that sets the bar.

"Fiddler on the Roof"

The show continues through Sunday at the Orpheum theater, 203 S. Main. Shows are 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 and 7 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15-$80. Call 525-3000.

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