Theatre Review "Fiddler On The Roof" At Gateway Theater

By Cindi Sansone-Braff

Photo: Jeff Bellante 

The Gateway’s Riveting Rivival of “Fiddler on the Roof!”

Jeff Bellante photo of Bruce Winant and CompanyIn 1974, I saw “Fiddler on the Roof” for the first time at the Jones Beach Marine Theatre, and the magnificence of this award-winning musical blew me away. Fifty years later, The Gateway’s polished-to-perfection production of this beloved classic had the same awe-inspiring effect on me. 

From the moment the lights came up, the magic began with a showstopping performance of the beloved song “Tradition.” Gateway alumna Bruce Winant, as Tevye, the main character, drew the audience in with his charismatic presence the moment he belted out, “Tradition, tradition! Tradition!” When the company joined in, the immensity of their collective acting, singing, and dancing talents started the production on a high note!

With a book by Joseph Stein, music by Jerry Bock, and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, “Fiddler on the Roof” opened on Broadway sixty years ago and featured the inimitable Zero Mostel and Maria Karnilova, whose parents were emigrants from Tsarist Russia. Both of these iconic stars won Tony awards for their outstanding performances. Broadway legend Jerome Robbins received two Tony awards, Best Direction and Choreography. Astoundingly, this 1964 musical won nine Tony awards, including Best Musical, score, and Book.

Based on Sholom Aleichem’s stories by special permission of Arnold Perl, this musical, set at the beginning of the 20^th century in a small Russian village, is the heartwarming and often heartrending tale of Tevye, the Dairyman, his wife, and five daughters. Much of the conflict revolves around Tevye, a man of faith and tradition, who finds many of his most profound beliefs tested by his three oldest daughters and the trying political times in which he lives.

Winant, perfectly cast as Tevye, has impressive Broadway credits, including “Chicago,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Ragtime,” “American in Paris,” “La Cage Aux Folles,” “Miss Saigon,” “Les Misérables” and “My Favorite Year.” Watching his award-worthy performance, I can see why he is such a sought-after star. He is a powerhouse performer with vocals to match. His solo, “If I Were a Rich Man,” was worth the price of admission. When he came back on stage during the curtain call, the audience jumped up and gave him and the rest of the stellar cast a well-deserved standing ovation.

Abbey Lee was captivating as Golde, Tevye’s hardworking, wisecracking, world-weary wife. One of the funniest scenes, “The Dream,” takes place in Tevye and Golde’s bedroom. Delivering messages from the grave, Brooke Wetterhahn was captivating as Grandma Tzeitel and Jennifer Brett’s larger-than-life performance of Fruma Sarah thrilled the audience. 

Lee and Winant’s onstage chemistry during their beautiful duet, “Do You Love Me?” was another memorable moment.

Leah Mossman was superb as Tzeitel, Tevye and Golde’s oldest daughter, and Oliver Prose gave an outstanding performance as Motel, the poor but determined tailor madly in love with her. Prose aced his solo, “Miracle of Miracles.” Ruthy Froch as Hodel, the second oldest daughter, stole the show with her moving rendition of the heartbreaking ballad “Far From the Home I Love.” I was sitting close enough to the stage to see the tears in her eyes when she sang, “Oh, what a melancholy choice this is, wanting home, wanting him.” Nikita Burshteyn was believable as Perchik, Hodel’s love interest, and a man with modern ideas and strong integrity. Rebecca Lynn Goldfarb as Chava, another of Tevye’s strong-willed daughters, gave a nuanced performance as a troubled young woman forced to choose between her family and the man she loves. Mark Ryan Anderson gave a strong performance as Fyedka, the intelligent and kindhearted Russian man Chava runs off with. Mossman, Froch, and Goldfarb showcased their beautiful vocals during their heartfelt rendition of “Matchmaker.”

Susan J. Jacks was hilarious as Yente, the gossipy matchmaker, who provides some much-needed comedic relief. Two other standout performers were Justin R.G. Holcomb as Lazar Wolf and Ryan K. Bailer as the Constable.

Keith Andrews’s choreography is bold, athletic, energetic, and captivating. The Inn scene, where the Villagers and the Russians dance together to the rousing song “To Life (L’Chaim!),” was one of my favorite dance numbers. A special shoutout goes to the incredible Bottle Dancers Ze’ev Barmor, Anthony DaSilva, Wyatt Slone, and James Monroe Stevko.

The rest of the tightknit ensemble cast includes Giada Longo and Addison Wasylyshyn as Shprintze, Sonnie Betts and Sofia Da Costa-Wilson as Bielke, Alexander Blake Wind as Avram, Ze’ev Barmor as Mendel, Samuel Gray as the Fiddler, Ben Cherry as Mordcha, John Reed as Chiam, Jose Contreras as Nachum, Wyatt Slone as Boris, James Monroe Stevko as Sasha, Anthony DaSilva as Yuri, Rivers O’Neal, Bennett Schneider, Asher King, and Nicholas Iannaccone as Cheder Boys, David Tobachnik as the Rabbi, Collin Aloi, Leo Faitakes, Leonardo Mignola as Russian soldiers, and Skylar Greene and Hailey Aviva as Villagers.

The Gateway’s electrifying production of “Fiddler on the Roof” is a must-see! The show runs through February 25, 2024. Drop everything and get your tickets to the hottest winter show in town. For tickets, contact the Box Office at (631) 286-1133 or buy online at https://TheGateway.org/.

Cindi Sansone-Braff is an award-winning playwright. She has a BFA in Theatre from UCONN and is a member of the Dramatists Guild. She is the author of “Grant Me a Higher Love,” “Why Good People Can’t Leave Bad Relationships,” and “Confessions of a Reluctant Long Island Psychic.” Her full-length Music Drama, “Beethoven, The Man, The Myth, The Music,” is published by Next Stage Press. www.Grantmeahigherlove.com.