RSS Feed
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Unbelievable production was just fantastic The Bolton Lunceford Playhouse production of Fiddler On The Roof last weekend will be talked about for years to come. It truly was a grand spectacle of beautiful music and emotional drama. The conversations will most likely begin with the phrase "I can't believe" and end with various descriptive words, such as fabulous, wonderful or great. For example: "I can't believe this was Stan Coe's first time directing. He sure pulled it off beautifully." The director did indeed manage to instill his passion for this delightful musical into the hearts and minds of a talented, dedicated cast and crew and to transform his vision into a wonderful stage production of grand proportion. The audience appreciation began with Stan walking out on stage looking handsome in his tuxedo and ended with enthusiastic applause for his son, Ian, walking off the stage looking handsome in his tuxedo after his poignant playing of the proverbial fiddle. There certainly was a vast range of talent gathered in and around that stage. Led by Shay Harris as Music Director, Sherri Bowers on piano and a trio of musicians, Stan Coe, Ian Coe and Grant Kimbrell, were all the orchestra that was needed. The background music perfectly showcased the beauty of song from each single voice to the heavenly harmony of the choir of villagers. Billy Creel as Tevye and Rose Weser as Golde were incredible. Veterans of the stage, they knew just how to make us laugh or force a tear from our eye. Their fivebeautiful daughters were poised and confidentin their roles. Mirna and Gloria, as the youngest daughters, were lovely. Anne, Genevieve and Emma were so touching in their separate quests for matrimony and their sisterly affection was evident. Their suitors, Jonathan, Lester and Jacob, were distinctive in their different characters and had the audience cheering them on. We also cheered loudly for the fabulous dancing of Jameson, Jacob and Grant. And let me just say: "I can't believe how good and hearty was Henry's laugh, how entertaining was Rilla's matchmaking, how comically haunting was Lucille and Kay's ghostly presence, how welcoming was Jim, how pious was Thomas' many blessings, how hilarious were Zach's antics and how friendly were Skip, John, Bill, Carol, Debbie and all the villagers, especially the smallest of the children. They were all marvelous." The set was interesting and versatile, backstage seemed to run smoothly, the lights and sound were well handled and the costumes were authentic looking. Thank you to Phil Rothman for his invaluable advice on Jewish customs, word pronunciations and authentic costume additions. Most of all, thank you to Stan Coe for proving, once again, that anything is possible if you believe in it enough. It was a fantastic production.
(This unsolicited guest theater review expresses the opinions of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of this newspaper, its staff, or its management.)
|
for larger version       |
|||||||||||||||||||||
