Entertainment Entertainment News Art 'Fiddler on the Roof' takes the Peoria Players stage
'Fiddler on the Roof' takes the Peoria Players stage
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- Published on Wednesday, 01 May 2013 15:36
- Written by Paul Gordon
Laura Garfinkel hadn't directed a play for more than 20 years and musicals weren't her forte. Yet, when Peoria Players approached her about submitting "Fiddler on the Roof," one of the most beloved musicals in theatre history, she jumped at the opportunity.
"I knew I wanted to get back into directing since I retired (from Bradley University) but I wanted to have a chance at a show that was universally loved and was something people would want to see," Garfinkel said. "I would say 'Fiddler' fits the bill. And with the support I've received her at Peoria Players and the cast I was able to assembly, I think it will be a great way to return. I'm excited."(Photos by Jenny Parkhurst) Longtime Peoria performer Lee Wenger portrays the lead role of Tevye in the Peoria Players Theatre production of "Fiddler on the Roof."
When that cast is headed by one of Peoria's most beloved performers, it's easy to see why she is excited.
"Fiddler on the Roof" opens a nine-show run at 7:30 p.m. on Friday at the theatre at University and Lake. Tickets are on sale now at $18 for adults and $12 for patrons 18 and under and can be ordered by calling the Peoria Players box office at 688-4473.
Lee Wenger, who has spent most of his life entertaining Peoria audiences in a variety of stage and emcee roles, heads the cast in the role of Tevye, the patriarch of a family that is representative of life in early 1900s Russia as well as life anywhere today.
"It's the universal theme of family and tradition that really is timeless," Garfinkel said. "Tevye tries so hard to hold on to his traditions and those of his Jewish culture and his daughters want to go against those traditions. They don't want to marry the men chosen for them by their parents, as is tradition; they want to marry the men they love. There are a lot of parallels in life today of children wanting something different from the ways of the past."
"Fiddler on the Roof" is a musical that has been performed around the world. It's music is universally known, as well, with songs that include "Tradition," "Matchmaker, Matchmaker," "If I Were a Rich Man" and "Sunrise, Sunset."
The music was written by Jerry Bock, with lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and book by Joseph Stein. The musical played more than 3,000 performances on Broadway, becoming the first to reach that milestone and winning numerous Tony Awards. Later revivals also captured several awards.
The show also was considered a star vehicle for those who portrayed Tevye on stage or in film, even in community theatre, Wenger said. What caused him to audition for the role after so many years, he said, was not only that it is such "an actor's role" but the chance to sing songs he enjoys in a show that audiences love.
"But since I've gotten into it now, it strikes me how touching a story it is. This is not a Jewish show, it is an everybody show. It really has a universal theme and I have found, since I have a daughter of my own, that I can relate to Tevye as the father of a daughter," he said.
"I just really want to move people with my performance. I want them to feel about this story the way I do," he added.
Tevye, portrayed by Lee Wenger, and Tevye's eldest daughter, portrayed by Rebekah Dentino, share a moment during a recent rehearsal of Peoria Players' production of "Fiddler on the Roof."His busy schedule prevented him from being in the show in years past, Wenger said, "but this time it is being directed by my good friend of 30-plus years, Laura Garfinkel, with music directed by Suzie Somerville Brown and choreography by Lise Higgins, two people I really wanted to work with. It all just worked out this time."
Other cast members include Carolyn Briggs-Gaul as Golde, Tevye's wife; Anita Rowden as the matchmaker Yente and Larry Betzelberger as Lazar Wolf. Tevye's daughters are portrayed by Rebekah Dentino (Tzeitel), Emily Hardesty (Hodel), Chloe Van Slyke, (Chava), Rachel Kocher (Shprintze) and Anna Hsu (Bielke).
The men the three eldest daughters love are played by Lance Franken (Motel), JackAnthony McIntire (Perchik) and Peter Jackson (Fyedka).
Others in the cast of 37 include Seth Katz, Michael Wohl, George Maxedon, Lori Maxedon, Mary Sierra, Carole Rogers, Lynn Seitzman as Fruma Sarah and Jim Willard as the Rabbi.
Stacey Brewer is the fiddler on the roof. According to an entry in Wikipedia, the musical's title stems from the painting "The Fiddler" by Marc Chagall. "The Fiddler is a metaphor for survival, through tradition and joyfulness, in a life of uncertainty and imbalance."
Garfinkel said everybody involved with the show, from Brown to Higgins to stage manager Theresa Black to all of the cast, "has been kind and supportive to me and to each other. They have been a pleasure to work with."
Her toughest decision was casting Tevye because of the talent that auditioned, she said. "But Lee Wenger is simply brilliant. He was born to play Tevye, as far as I'm concerned."
The show begins at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 7:30 p.m. on May 8, 9, 10 and 11. There will be three matinees at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and May 12.(Photo by Jenny Parkhurst) Shown in the nightmare scene from the Peoria Players production of "Fiddler on the Roof."
