Whole lotta Tevya: 'Fiddler' vet charms Detroit audience

By Jaimie Winkler

Daily Arts Writer

DETROIT - After 1,650 performances of "Tevye" in "Fiddler on the Roof," veteran actor Theodore Bikel could have become as stale as old matzah, but instead he has used that time to perfect the character and his performance.

"Fiddler on the Roof" opened last week at the Fisher Theater. The familiar storyline follows Tevye as hardships fall upon him and his Jewish village in the Ukraine. A devout man who often converses with God, Tevye and his wife Golde watch the first three of their five daughters defy the traditions they hold dear as the future of their village grows unstable.

Set in a time of turmoil and change in Russia and the Jewish faith, the emotional and beautifully written story comes alive on the Fisher stage with a truly amazing cast.

This "Fiddler" begins its 40-week U.S. tour in Detroit and plans a three to six month stint on Broadway.

The 76-year-old Bikel is funny and charming, but after 1,600 performances, he's probably heard all that. Never before has an actor seemed so comfortable on stage, his lines flowing like casual conversation among friends. Bikel has the amazing gift of making intimate moments for himself and each audience member.

"If I Were a Rich Man," delivered in Bikel's deep and powerful voice, is comedic and heartfelt in its search for the little things in life. Watching Bikel perform this song is like watching a child dance in the rain. His smile and delicate movements embody a simplicity and joy of life unrivaled on stage. In a nutshell, he is amazing to watch.

The entire cast is a bundle of appealing voices and electric energy. Together they create a feeling of community. The true to life and natural characters bring home their tears and pain, easily transferred to an involved audience.

Tevye's three eldest daughters, played by Elieen Tepper, Tamra Hayden and Dana Lynn Caruso, are sympathetic and convincing in their attempts to persuade their father to allow each girl to marry the man of her choice. The trio shines in "Matchmaker" where each displays her gorgeous voice.

Susan Cella as Golde, Tevye's wife, is equally convincing and marvelous. Cella's versatile character brings urgency, conscience and humor to the stage.

The choreography, color and set are quoted from the original designs. While overly colorful and at times unrealistic, they add to the production by reflecting the optimism and emotion of the characters.

The bottle dance, the wedding dance and the Russian number, choreographed by Sammy Dallas Bayes and executed with precision by the flexible cast, are not only fun to watch but are also inspiring.

The lighting design swirls with bright warm and cool colored scenes. The combined force of the lights and set design offset the dreary, bleak costumes of the peasants and allow the audience to look into the cheer in their hearts. Even though their small homes look sad and unwanted, the bright slivers of color woven into the frames provide yet another reminder that this family looks for the silver lining on the dark cloud.

- Fiddler on the Roof runs Oct. 24 through Nov. 12 at the Fisher Theater in Detroit for tickets call

248-645-4444.