There’s a tendency to tinker with the warhorses of musical theater and reinvent them for new audiences. But wiser heads prevailed with the revival of “Fiddler on the Roof” at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, which opened last weekend and continues through Dec. 1—they decided not to mess with success.
Director Lonny Price and choreographer Lee Martino have gone to great lengths to reproduce what original director-choreographer Jerome Robbins “imagined and realized in 1964, beginning with his notion that the show is based on circles and community,” as Price noted. And they’ve succeeded handsomely in my estimation. I think their “Fiddler” is as good as any revival of any show I’ve ever seen.
La Mirada and McCoy Rigby Entertainment’s first-rate production proves above all what an exceptionally well-crafted show “Fiddler” is in the first place. It isn’t overburdened with songs that suffocate the plot, as so many musicals are—if indeed they even have one.
Joseph Stein, who wrote the Tony Award-winning book for “Fiddler” based on the stories of Sholom Aleichem, learned that lesson the hard way when he tried to adapt Sean O’Casey. (The result, “Juno,” was a colossal Broadway flop five years earlier.)
The memorable songs (music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick) serve to remind us how relevant the show remains today, from “Tradition” to “Sunrise, Sunset” to “Far From the Home I Love.” Abby Potts’ musical direction ensures you’ll hear them in splendid renditions befitting their reputation.
Jason Alexander’s Tevye exceeds all expectations. He’s far more than the shmuck on “Seinfeld,” if you harbored any doubts. For a man of small stature, he’s possessed of a tremendous singing voice that commands great respect. To quote a mutual actor friend of ours, “Jason was born to play that role.”
Alexander shares the stage with a terrific supporting cast. There isn’t a weak link in the ensemble, with noteworthy performances by Rachel Ravel (Tzeitel), Valerie Perri (Golde), Alanna J. Smith (Hodel), Eileen T’Kaye (Yente) and Cameron Mabie (Motel). Costumes and sets seem exactly right. Apparently this isn’t a touring production, but it deserves to be. Info: LaMiradaTheatre.com.
Hot tip: Orange County Museum of Art’s small but choice exhibit Deux Femmes (free, through Feb. 23) shines the spotlight on British Surrealist painter Leonora Carrington and her near contemporary from Argentina, Leonor Fini. Info: https://ocma.art/exhibitions/deux-femmes/
Jason Alexander and Valerie Perri in “Fiddler.” Courtesy La Mirada Theatre.
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