Hale's 'Fiddler' Revives an Old Classic With New Surprises

I'd forgotten how much I like Fiddler on the Roof. I attended Hale Centre Theatre's production of the show a few nights ago, and I was struck by the high quality of its songs, particularly in the first act. Many, such as "If I Were a Rich Man," "Matchmaker" and "Sunrise, Sunset" have become classics. The show also features endearing characters, particularly Tevye and Golda, a Jewish husband and wife bewildered by the challenges of raising five daughters in revolutionary Russia.

HCT's production of Fiddler is lively, and enjoyable, featuring fine performances and an interesting, constantly moving set. Director John Sweeney has employed two accomplished musicians, Aaron Ashton and Julie Beistline, to play the fiddler and has incorporated the fiddler into more scenes than the original. Sweeney has also taken an innovative approach to the dream sequence featuring Golda's grandmother, resulting in a scene that is spectacular, surprising, humorous and a little bit scary.

Fiddler on the Roof premiered in 1964, and its "everything is changing" theme is a little dated. The person I brought with me to the show called it "socially preachy in a 40-year-old way." While I can't exactly disagree with that assessment, I still think Fiddler on the Roof is an excellent musical with classic songs that deserves its popularity, and that HTC's production does justice to the original while adding some fresh, creative touches.

Mondays through Saturdays, 7:30 p.m., now through April 10
Matinees Saturdays 12:30 and 4 p.m.

Monday through Thursday and matinees: adult $22, child (5-11 years) $15
Friday and Saturday evening shows: adult $26, child (5-11 years) $16.
No children under 5 permitted.

Photo: Bruce Bredeson as Tevye and Jennifer Parker Hohl as Golde in Hale Centre Theatre's Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday cast of Fiddler on the Roof. Courtesy Hale Centre Theatre and Intrepid Agency.

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Hale's Fiddler Revives Old Classic

Hale's 'Fiddler' Revives an Old Classic With New Surprises