BLT's Fiddler on the Roof Scores A Hit
A Review
by
William D. Mashburn
(for the Transylvania Times -- published on Thursday, September 13, 2007)
Brevard Little Theatre has successfully mounted its biggest and final production of the
season, Fiddler on the Roof. The near-capacity, opening-night audience at Brevard
College's Dunham Auditorium was treated to an elaborate set, beautiful costuming and
the rich music, song and dance of Fiddler. Masterfully directed by Al Edick and
produced by Maureen Edick, this production is a glorious visual and musical delight.
With a cast of thousands (well, actually it just seemed that large on the stage at
Dunham, but there were at least 52 or more), an orchestral ensemble led by musical
director Patti Black, and choreography by Kristen Pangle, this show has a big impact.
With such a large cast, which was uniformly very good, and a group of supporting
actors simply identified as “villagers” in the program, it is not possible to list all the
credits that are due, but there are a few people that I will mention in this review.
Certainly Bob Stacy, in the leading role of Tevye, displayed one of the most triumphant
efforts of his many years in theater. And what a huge effort it was. He warmed up on
the song, “Tradition,” but his rendition of “If I were a Rich Man” was an absolute gem.
He was so genuine in this role the audience could easily relate to him. He was also
the “glue” that welded the various members of his stage family together.
Secondly, little Sophia Robbins, who plays The Fiddler, is absolutely precious. One
didn't need to worry that she would fall off the roof or drop her violin. Every time she
traipsed across the stage in her bright red jacket, she got an appreciative ovation from
the audience.
Cheryl Walkup, in the role of Golde, was very effective as the peasant farmer Tevye's
wife. In her costume and makeup, she really looked the part. She was a wonderful
counterpoint to the effusive Tevye, and her singing was superb.
Brittany Toups, as Tzeitel, Tevye's oldest daughter, and Dwight Chiles, as Motel, her
intended, were wonderful in the songs and dance numbers they did, as were Brittany
Curtis, in the role of Hodel, Tevye's second oldest daughter, and Ray Huth, in the role
of Perchik, the young revolutionary. It is easy to stereotype Brittany Curtis as
Imogene Herdman, the juvenile delinquent in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, but
she demonstrates in this show that she has more potential and versatility than one
could have imagined. If she or Ray Huth (or both) end up at the North Carolina
School of the Arts or some similar institution, I predict they will go far. Huth also
demonstrated in his energetic song and dance number with Curtis, that he has more
talents than just acting. He has a natural singing voice that, with training and
maturation, will be quite good.
Haley Haynes as Chave, Tevye's third daughter, and David Lorbdell, as Fyedka, the
young Russian soldier, were very good in their roles. These are two more young
actors to keep an eye on.
Abby Arnold and Andy Thompson, were marvelous in their “bottle” dance. While
Arnold is a student of ballet, I would guess that Thompson had to learn the intricate
dance steps for this production. Both should be congratulated for pulling off this
delicate balancing act. Thompson, who has fairly recently found himself in that
awkward age of being between a child and an adolescent, demonstrated in this
production that he has really matured as an actor.
Sandi Kaye as Yente, the matchmaker, gave one of the most authentic character
portrayals in the whole show, and the audience really warmed to her. Another
popular character actor in this show was Max Bernson, who played the rabbi and who
always delights his audiences.
Sarah Moser, as Fruma-Sarah, was a hoot as the specter intruding on Tevye's sleep.
The big surprise of the evening was the performance of S. Michael Wilson as Sasha,
the Russian soldier, but identified in the program only as a villager. Although as a
latecomer to the show he was cast in this relatively minor role, Wilson did an
outstanding job. Very tall, imposing and intimidating as a Russian military man, he did
a remarkably professional vocal solo with his powerful, soaring and lyrical voice.
Here's hoping that we will see much more of Wilson in future local theater productions.
Other principal actors included Jennie Moser as Shprintze, Ellie Rudd as Bielke,
James Dawsey as Lazar Wolf, Mark Thompson as Mordcha, Pete Kuehne as Avram,
Merylee Band as Grandma Tzeitel and Scott Moser as the constable. All gave very
competent performances.
Of special note was the dance at the wedding, beautifully executed by professional
dancers Kristen Pangle and Lee Starr. This was an extra special treat in an
exceptional show.
Finally, I would like to make one comment about the theater itself. Dunham Auditorium
is a real treasure. Although the Porter Center is much newer, and is recognized as
Brevard College's and the surrounding area's premier performance venue, I hope that
Brevard College won't neglect this wonderful theater-concert hall with its proscenium
stage, which the Porter Center doesn't have. It is definitely worth preserving, and
keeping in first class condition.
To get an idea of the scope of the amazing talent in our area, run, don't walk to get
tickets to this show at the BLT box office at TCARTS on south Caldwell Street, or call
828 884-2587 for reservations.
Showtimes for next weekend are Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 p.m., and
Sunday matinee at 3:00 p.m. All performances are at Dunham Auditorium on the
Brevard College campus.
Photo and caption used with the review.
A Review
by
William D. Mashburn
(for the Transylvania Times -- published on Thursday, September 13, 2007)
Brevard Little Theatre has successfully mounted its biggest and final production of the
season, Fiddler on the Roof. The near-capacity, opening-night audience at Brevard
College's Dunham Auditorium was treated to an elaborate set, beautiful costuming and
the rich music, song and dance of Fiddler. Masterfully directed by Al Edick and
produced by Maureen Edick, this production is a glorious visual and musical delight.
With a cast of thousands (well, actually it just seemed that large on the stage at
Dunham, but there were at least 52 or more), an orchestral ensemble led by musical
director Patti Black, and choreography by Kristen Pangle, this show has a big impact.
With such a large cast, which was uniformly very good, and a group of supporting
actors simply identified as “villagers” in the program, it is not possible to list all the
credits that are due, but there are a few people that I will mention in this review.
Certainly Bob Stacy, in the leading role of Tevye, displayed one of the most triumphant
efforts of his many years in theater. And what a huge effort it was. He warmed up on
the song, “Tradition,” but his rendition of “If I were a Rich Man” was an absolute gem.
He was so genuine in this role the audience could easily relate to him. He was also
the “glue” that welded the various members of his stage family together.
Secondly, little Sophia Robbins, who plays The Fiddler, is absolutely precious. One
didn't need to worry that she would fall off the roof or drop her violin. Every time she
traipsed across the stage in her bright red jacket, she got an appreciative ovation from
the audience.
Cheryl Walkup, in the role of Golde, was very effective as the peasant farmer Tevye's
wife. In her costume and makeup, she really looked the part. She was a wonderful
counterpoint to the effusive Tevye, and her singing was superb.
Brittany Toups, as Tzeitel, Tevye's oldest daughter, and Dwight Chiles, as Motel, her
intended, were wonderful in the songs and dance numbers they did, as were Brittany
Curtis, in the role of Hodel, Tevye's second oldest daughter, and Ray Huth, in the role
of Perchik, the young revolutionary. It is easy to stereotype Brittany Curtis as
Imogene Herdman, the juvenile delinquent in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, but
she demonstrates in this show that she has more potential and versatility than one
could have imagined. If she or Ray Huth (or both) end up at the North Carolina
School of the Arts or some similar institution, I predict they will go far. Huth also
demonstrated in his energetic song and dance number with Curtis, that he has more
talents than just acting. He has a natural singing voice that, with training and
maturation, will be quite good.
Haley Haynes as Chave, Tevye's third daughter, and David Lorbdell, as Fyedka, the
young Russian soldier, were very good in their roles. These are two more young
actors to keep an eye on.
Abby Arnold and Andy Thompson, were marvelous in their “bottle” dance. While
Arnold is a student of ballet, I would guess that Thompson had to learn the intricate
dance steps for this production. Both should be congratulated for pulling off this
delicate balancing act. Thompson, who has fairly recently found himself in that
awkward age of being between a child and an adolescent, demonstrated in this
production that he has really matured as an actor.
Sandi Kaye as Yente, the matchmaker, gave one of the most authentic character
portrayals in the whole show, and the audience really warmed to her. Another
popular character actor in this show was Max Bernson, who played the rabbi and who
always delights his audiences.
Sarah Moser, as Fruma-Sarah, was a hoot as the specter intruding on Tevye's sleep.
The big surprise of the evening was the performance of S. Michael Wilson as Sasha,
the Russian soldier, but identified in the program only as a villager. Although as a
latecomer to the show he was cast in this relatively minor role, Wilson did an
outstanding job. Very tall, imposing and intimidating as a Russian military man, he did
a remarkably professional vocal solo with his powerful, soaring and lyrical voice.
Here's hoping that we will see much more of Wilson in future local theater productions.
Other principal actors included Jennie Moser as Shprintze, Ellie Rudd as Bielke,
James Dawsey as Lazar Wolf, Mark Thompson as Mordcha, Pete Kuehne as Avram,
Merylee Band as Grandma Tzeitel and Scott Moser as the constable. All gave very
competent performances.
Of special note was the dance at the wedding, beautifully executed by professional
dancers Kristen Pangle and Lee Starr. This was an extra special treat in an
exceptional show.
Finally, I would like to make one comment about the theater itself. Dunham Auditorium
is a real treasure. Although the Porter Center is much newer, and is recognized as
Brevard College's and the surrounding area's premier performance venue, I hope that
Brevard College won't neglect this wonderful theater-concert hall with its proscenium
stage, which the Porter Center doesn't have. It is definitely worth preserving, and
keeping in first class condition.
To get an idea of the scope of the amazing talent in our area, run, don't walk to get
tickets to this show at the BLT box office at TCARTS on south Caldwell Street, or call
828 884-2587 for reservations.
Showtimes for next weekend are Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 p.m., and
Sunday matinee at 3:00 p.m. All performances are at Dunham Auditorium on the
Brevard College campus.
Photo and caption used with the review.
Some cast members of Brevard Little Theatre's "Fiddler on the Roof" take a
break during rehearsals (Courtesy photo)
break during rehearsals (Courtesy photo)
