Bikel, as Tevye, leads an inspired revival of `Fiddler'

IF Theodore Bikel has grown weary of playing Tevye on stage (he is said to have performed the part more than a thousand times), it certainly wasn't evident Wednesday evening when "Fiddler on the Roof" premiered at the Riverside Theatre. The 30th anniversary tour of the landmark Broadway musical runs through Sunday 2/19.

Bikel gives this proud, albeit stubborn Jewish traditionalist the authority the role deserves, with each comic gesture and inflection appearing delightfully spontaneous. His commanding interpretations of the Jerry Bock- Sheldon Harnick score are no less miraculous.

The ensuing decades have been very kind to "Fiddler," although, like most famous musicals, its strengths lie in the first act, which runs over an hour and a half. As the humble village of Anatevka braces for revolution and cultural transformation, audiences are treated to rousing renditions of "Tradition," "Matchmaker," "To Life," Bikel's droll "If I Were a Rich Man" and the lyrical "Sunrise, Sunset," among other recognizable melodies.

The original direction and choreography of Jerome Robbins has been reproduced by Sammy Dallas Bayes (an associate choreographer on the 1971 film version), who expertly leads Bikel and the cast of 40 through versatile if modest stage settings.

While the Robbins choreography is generally subdued, it comes stunningly to life in an inventive and funny nightmare sequence and in the sublime bottle dance at the wedding of one of Tevye's daughters.

Almost all of the supporting players are of top Broadway caliber, with Joanna Glushak an alluring Tzeitel and Michele Ragusa a sensitive Hodel. Both Rebecca Hoodwin and Daniel C. Cooney could use a little less inhibition as, respectively, Tevye's stoic wife and the visiting student militant, Perchik.

The professionalism of this expensive touring production is impressive. It would, however, be advisable for the "Fiddler" company to develop a way to move unseen scenery and flats without causing occasionally distracting rumbling noises offstage.

Copyright 1995
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