Beth Tfiloh Community Theatre’s ‘Fiddler’ is a Wonder of Wonders

August 21, 2023 Steve Charing

Beth Tfiloh Community Theatre's "Fiddler on the Roof"

“Fiddler on the Roof” at Pikeville’s Beth Tfiloh Community Theatre is “a perfect fit … like a glove,” to borrow a line from the show.

It would seem a no-brainer that Beth Tfiloh would’ve put on this musical long ago. Except there is that pesky thing called production rights that theater producers and artistic directors must pursue and obtain.

Thankfully, BTCT was able to secure said rights after a five-year quest, and this Broadway classic is now being presented as its annual summer musical.

And it’s superb.

With its poignant and iconic score, “Fiddler on the Roof” opened in 1964 and became the longest running show on Broadway (more than 3,000 performances) until it was eclipsed by “Grease.” “Fiddler” captured nine Tony Awards of the 10 categories nominated, including best musical, score, book, direction and choreography.

Based on the Sholem Aleichem story “Tevye and his Daughters,” the show was crafted from music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and book by Joseph Stein. A hit 1971 movie and numerous productions worldwide were spawned by the timeless musical.

Popular songs — such as “Tradition,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” ‘If I Were a Rich Man,” “To Life!” and “Do You Love Me?” — are performed expertly during Beth Tfiloh’s production. And the classic “Sunrise, Sunset,” during the climactic wedding scene at the end of the first act, is extraordinary.

Venerable director and co-artistic director Diane M. Smith leads a talented and enthusiastic cast, crew and orchestra in bringing the powerhouse musical to life. The performers’ ability to act, sing and dance at such a high level may make you forget this is a community theatrical production.

Having a predominantly Jewish company lends a unique authenticity to the musical, and that is evident throughout the show. Adding to that authenticity are the magnificent period costumes, designed and coordinated by Lizzie Jaspan.

The story centers on a Jewish family living in the small village of Anatevka in 1905 Czarist Russia. The head of the household, Tevye, tries desperately to cling to the old-time Jewish traditions while confronting the emerging changes in social mores that his three oldest daughters bring to the table. These young women eschew deeply ingrained Jewish traditions in favor of pursuing lives of their own as the times are changing.

If there ever was a character in theater who one feels compelled to root for, it has to be Tevye, the nearly impoverished milkman of Anatevka. His strong-willed wife Golde has a sharp tongue, and he struggles to house, feed and clothe his five daughters. On top of that, Tevye and his family, as well as the other Jews of Anatevka, face constant antisemitism, violence and intimidation from Russian thugs.

Played by Gabe Lewin, Tevye appears in most scenes in the production. On one hand, he possesses a rich and authoritative baritone voice. On the other hand, he acts with a commanding presence to include appropriate facial expressions, mannerisms and timing.

While demonstrating strong comedic instincts, Lewin can also dance and would’ve made Zero Mostel — the original Tevye — quite proud of his work.

Once Lewin kicks off the production with a solid rendition of “Tradition,” you knew you’re in for a treat. He continues to soar in “If I Were a Rich Man,” the ensemble number “Sabbath Prayer,” and in one of the more touching songs “Do You Love Me?” with Kendra Keiser as Golde.

Demonstrating his acting dexterity, Lewin convincingly and endearingly conveys his frustrations with his daughters Tzeitel, Hodel and Chava, all of whom push back on Jewish traditions to pursue the ones they love.

Tzeitel is portrayed exceptionally well by Hannah Elliott, with the much older, wealthy butcher Lazar Wolf played by Brian Singer. Lazar was “matched” by Yenta (played by Julie Kitt).

Tzeitel wants to be with the poor and timid tailor Motel, played well by Yitzchok Smilowitz. In dramatic fashion, Motel calls up his latent inner strength to fight for the woman he loves.

Meanwhile, Hodel, charmingly played by Ayala Asher, causes Tevye’s blood pressure to rise as she rebukes tradition as well. She finds love with Perchik, a strong-headed radical played excellently by Eitan Murinson. Asher’s rendition of “Far From the Home I Love” is moving, using her beautiful voice to full effect.

With Chava (Talia Lebowitz), who wants to be with the non-Jewish Fyedka (Kemuel Vander-Puije), Tevye can no longer accept the changes before him and puts his foot down.

As Golde, Tevye’s wife of 25 years, Keiser plays the role to the hilt and provides comedic balance with her brusque retorts to Tevye, especially when the sacred traditions are being compromised.

Scott Black effectively portrays the Constable, an underling of the Czar who has compassion for the Jewish community in the village. He ably expresses his conflicting emotions between duty and his concern for Tevye and his cohorts.

The rest of the cast and ensemble provide wonderful support for the principal characters with their vocals and dancing. They execute numbers choreographed by Rachel Miller with energy and precision. Charlotte Evans Crowley ably directs the six-piece orchestra.

The “Fiddler’ set was designed by Evan Margolis, BTCT’s co-artistic director. The backdrop is simple but contains the Hebrew words for tradition, marriage, the Bible, home, family and community — all overlying themes of the show.

Mazel tov to to BTCT, director Diane Smith, and the hardworking performers and technical crew on an unforgettable production.

“Fiddler on the Roof” will presented Wednesday, Aug. 23, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 27, at 2 p.m. at the Mintzes Theater at Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School, 3300 Old Court Rd in Pikesville. Tickets can be purchased by calling 410-413-2436 or online.

Steve Charing is a freelance writer who lives in Clarksville.