Stage Review: Harrell's "Fiddler" has its moments, but some sour notes
“Fiddler on the Roof” has been around 45 years, running forever on Broadway, revived over and over, and touring frequently. And the awards! Oy!
Little wonder. The timeless tale of tradition vs. modernity plus a dairyman’s cart-full of great music has ensured its popularity, especially in community theater.
Stuart Heyman as Tevye in the Harrell Theatre's production of "Fiddler on the Roof".
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And so Collierville’s Harrell Theatre is staging “Fiddler” with some delightful moments, although not quite enough of them to call it a success.
The production, directed by Amy Hanford, is adequately enough put together with a fine set, effective costumes and the sure hand of Angelo Rapan leading the orchestra.
But there is something flat in the execution, a sense of going through the motions that is only highlighted by the occasional standout performances.
Charles Hodges’ powerfully expressive voice and imposing presence made for a solid butcher Lazar Wolf. Janie Paris as Yente was in her usual witty and colorful form as the busybody matchmaker.
Joshua Quinn (Perchik) continues to impress as an appealing actor/singer in local productions. And Katie Ward is a rising star, a gifted performer with a fine vocal and acting range.
There were also individual song-and-dance numbers where everything gelled beautifully. But the high energy Hanford has bestowed on past musical productions was dissipated with routine and overlong segments.
And unfortunately, Stuart Heyman’s omnipresent Tevye struggled to find the right pitch. Heyman brought forth an agreeable look for the mischievous dairyman with a wry set of questions for the Almighty, but it was not a completely convincing performance.
Fiddler on the Roof
Through Sunday: 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets: $15; $12 for children/seniors/students. Harrell Theatre, 440 West Powell, Collierville. Call 853-3228 or go to harrelltheatre.org.
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