NU Theatre continues winning tra-ditionnn with ‘Fiddler’

Review by Joshua Maloni
Photos by Ric Berg
Niagara Frontier Publications, April 19, 2007

Jessica Young, Brieanna Bailey and Lisa LeCuyer star as Tevye’s daughters Hodel, Tzeitel and Chava in Niagara University’s presentation of “Fiddler on the Roof.” The show takes place on the Leary Theatre stage at 8 p.m. on April 20, 27, 28 and at 2 p.m. on April 22, 29.

It’s the biggest show of Niagara University’s 150th year.

It’s a well-known and beloved story that has been portrayed more than 3,000 times on Broadway.

It’s sure to sell out the Leary Theatre at each performance.

In short, then, it’s gotta’ be good.

On paper, therefore, it makes sense that the Department of Theatre and Fine Arts cast safely for “Fiddler on the Roof.” Consider, Brother Augustine Towey, the acclaimed and applauded director emeritus, was selected to shape the performance. Paul Todaro, both a university director himself and a professional actor, was selected to play Tevye, the main character. Additional lead roles went to the department’s most proven actors, including Meaghan Reilly, Jessica Young, Lisa LeCuyer, Brieanna Bailey and Matthew Chavez.

In theory, the department wasn’t taking any chances. But that theory is only validated by the director and cast actually succeeding.

They do.

Todaro, who has a reputation for being the Buffalo area’s top actor, hasn’t done anything to invalidate that label with his Zero Mostel-worthy performance in “Fiddler.” Moreover, the NU students acting opposite him are just as adept, matching him step for step, song for song.

“Fiddler’s” story centers on Tevye, a poor dairyman, his cross-at-your-own-risk wife, Golde, their five daughters, and the family’s struggle to maintain tradition while adapting to a changing world. It’s a surprisingly funny, moving tale that truly comes to life with this cast’s romantic presentation.

The production starts with Tevye’s preface. He compares the people in his village to a fiddler on the roof: Both are trying to carry a tune while not breaking a neck. That sort of sarcastic-tinged wisdom is seen throughout from our protagonist slash narrator.

The tale begins with a familiar song, “Tradition,” which is set to a dance routine featuring the “Papas,” the “Mamas,” the “Daughters” and “Sons.” The song is reprised several times by Tevye as he tries to find a balance between his religion’s well-established ways and his daughters’ happiness.

Todaro, who as Tevye physically resembles Fidel Castro, portrays the character with an everyman quality that makes him relatable for fathers and likable by all. His deadpan cynicism and chats with God are often hilarious – “It’s true we are the chosen people, but once in a while, couldn’t you choose someone else?” – and at times sad, as he longs for a better life for his family.

Reilly, as Tevye’s wife and foil Golde, is tough, but not rigid. The character is more apt to follow the old ways, and doesn’t let her husband forget it. Reilly, however, does a good job of portraying her as more of a concerned mother than an overbearing taskmaster. So too, she is an able mocker, offering lines to Tevye like, “What happened last night besides you drinking like a peasant?”

Tevye’s three oldest daughters, Tzeitel (Bailey), Hodel (Young) and Chava (LeCuyer), are equally eager to be married and afraid to be matched. Each offers their father a conundrum. On the one hand, he would prefer they accept a husband from the village matchmaker. On the other hand, he’s forced to accept that each has found true love elsewhere and won’t be happy with another mate.

Each actress is a delight. All three delicately balance family respect with rebellion. You can feel their conflict, as their loyalty and love clash. Audiences will sympathize with these girls, as they root for their happiness.

While “Fiddler” is set in 1905 Russia, within the small village of Anatevka, to be exact, its theme is relevant today, especially on a campus that all year has drawn from the past while building for the future.

As for the performances, as an audience, it’s easy for us to expect greatness from this director and cast. It’s probably not that easy to be in their shoes, and tasked with creating something great.

Regardless of what anyone thinks or expects, these artists still have to perform. Fortunately for us, they have met the challenge with “Fiddler” and fashioned a production that will be remembered, 150 years from now, as part of the theater department’s tradition of excellence.