When a beloved musical delves into emotionally demanding issues, as is the case with “Fiddler on the Roof,” the actors strive for the “lightness” by simply telling the story.
“You?ve got to play honesty,” cast member Daniel McDonald said. “Otherwise, it turns into a boo-hoo fest.”
And that is the last thing Toby Orenstein would want of the classic musical ? one of her favorites ? running at Toby?s Dinner Theatre of Baltimore.
An iconic piece of American musical theater, “Fiddler on the Roof” is rich in historical tradition and ethnic detail.
A solid production, it stands the test of time and is as fresh and relevant now as it was 40 years ago.
“There are only a handful in the [23-person] cast that have never done ?Fiddler on the Roof,? ” said director David James, who has been at Toby?s for 10 years. “We have seasoned performers who?ve added their own bits from former productions.”
To keep the story intimate with such a large cast on a very wide proscenium stage, James has “brought the action in,” focusing, through staging and lighting, on the very personal scenes, such as the Sabbath meal.
The story is set in the tiny Jewish village of Anatevka, where Tevye, a simple dairyman, is caught, along with the rest of the town, in the confusion and ultimate displacement brought by the Russians. Scenes, such as the wedding of his eldest daughter that is ruined by soldiers wreaking havoc and vandalism, are heartbreakingly painful to watch.
Still, “Fiddler” is a simple story of endurance and survival that just happens to be accompanied by some of the most beautiful songs ever written for a musical. From ensemble showstopper “Tradition” to the hauntingly sweet “Sunrise, Sunset,” the cast members relate a tale of a persecuted people?s indomitable spirit.
David Bosley-Reynolds plays the role of Tevye, one he has performed several times in his career. For him, the key to keeping the character (and the show) fresh each night is listening to his co-performers.
“The role is humor and heart,” he said. “Without the humor, it would be a pound of fruitcake.”
IF YOU GO
“Fiddler on the Roof”
» Venue: Toby?s Dinner Theatre of Baltimore, The Best Western Hotel & Conference Center, 5625 O?Donnell St., Baltimore
» Times: 6 p.m. evenings except Monday and selected weekday matinees; 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sundays through June 10
» Tickets: $44 to $49.25
» More info: 410-649-1660
