By Karen Jamal
It held the record for the world’s longest running musical, and now Fiddler on the Roof is coming to Noosa.
The Little Seed Theatre Company will present the much-loved and much-revived musical from 13 and 14 October at The J.
Set in Imperial Russia in 1905, Fiddler on the Roof tells the story of the people of Anatevka, a small town where Jews and Russians live in uneasy peace.
Milkman Tevye strives to maintain his Jewish traditions despite the challenges of raising five daughters in a time of extraordinary change.
The original Broadway production opened in 1964, with music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and book by Joseph Stein.
The powerhouse team behind Little Seed’s production includes producers Jo and Richard Wallace, directors David Williams and Libby Hendrie, musical director Connie Groves and choreographer Kim Abbott.
This is the sixth time David has directed Fiddler, and his 61st musical.
Each production of Fiddler is different, he says “because we adapt to suit the cast and their talents”, but the storyline remains “true to the way of life and culture of the Jewish characters and the world they inhabit”.
From Fiddler’s ground-breaking opening number, “Tradition”, audiences will be toe-tapping to hits including “If I Were a Rich Man”, “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” and “Sunrise Sunset”.
The principal role of Tevye is being played by an adult performer, Clark Groves, while a live orchestra will accompany the cast – a first for Little Seed.
“It’s a grown-up musical with mature content. The cast may be children, but it’s not a kids’ production,” says musical director Connie Groves.
“The live orchestra is a big leap for us, but one that the cast is relishing.”
An acclaimed chorale director in the United States, Connie has spent a long career teaching musical theatre to young people, from Carols by Candlelight at Disneyworld in Florida to chorale performances in Toowoomba.
“Musically, it’s a challenging production, because it’s in a Jewish key signature. The depth of every character is so moving, and the themes are incredibly complex,” she says.
The storylines resonate with audiences today, because themes of intergenerational discord, tradition, prejudice and the displacement of people “are things we continue to experience in our world,” Connie says.
“The young people in Fiddler are exceptionally talented, and some have the potential to carve out careers on Broadway. Others will make lifelong friends and gain confidence and self-esteem that comes with performing,” Connie adds.
David agrees.
“Community theatre is an important training ground for young people,” he says.
“I get the biggest thrill seeing my students become full-time actors or directors, TV hosts or radio announcers, or simply learning important skills that set them on the right path in life.”
Fiddler on the Roof is showing at The J on Friday 13 October and Saturday 14 October. Tickets available from www.thej.com.au
