"Fiddler on the Roof" - by Joseph Stein, Sheldon Harnick & Jerry Bock - Gateway Players (Southbridge, MA.) - REVIEW
(Cover Photo: Mike Lapomardo as “Tevye” in a moment from the iconic musical "FIDDLER ON THE ROOF" from Gateway Players in Southbridge, MA. now playing for one weekend only until August 3, 2025. Photo Credit David Corkum)
Kevin T. Baldwin
METRMag Reviewer
# 774-242-6724
"Sometimes I think, when it gets too quiet up there, You say to Yourself, ‘What kind of mischief can I play on My friend Tevye?’"
- ("Tevye" to GOD) / Joseph Stein, Sheldon Harnick & Jerry Bock
Gateway Players
Presents the Iconic Musical
"FIDDLER ON THE ROOF"
Three performances only!
Based on the stories by Sholem Aleichem
Book by Joseph Stein
Music by Jerry Bock and Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick
Directed by Patricia Haddock
Music Director Connie Galli
Choreographer Valerie Langlais
Produced by Kathi Grenier
Cast Includes: Mike Lapomardo as “Tevye,” Dawn Sedlier as “Golde,” Hillary Robertson as “Tzeitel,” Beau Hicks as “Hodel,” Sarah Tonkin as “Chava,” Shprintze as “Brooke Swistak,” Kora Reale as “Bielke,” Chris McTigue as “Shaindel,” Lynn Boucher as “Yente,” Jonathan Martin as “Motel,” Chris Lam as “Perchik,” David Yutzler as “Lazar Wolf,” Matt Sedlier as “Mordcha,” Billy Bolster as “Yussel,” Kevin McGee as “Rabbi,” Jackson Reed as “Mendel,” Ray Petrelli as “Avrum,” Martin Nieski as “Nachum,” Marina Matuzek as “Grandma Tzeitel,” Linda Boutillier as “Fruma-Sarah,” Harry Pearson as “Constable,” Ducati Sedlier as “Fyedka,” Asher McCoy as “Sasha,” Cheyenne Grenier as “Fiddler,” Lily Nellis as “Villager,” Kirsten Smaltz as “Villager,” Stewart Haddock as “Priest.”
Additional Creative Team:
Stage Manager – Gwen O’Brien; Stage Crew – Kathi Grenier, Avelyn O’Brien, Stewart Haddock, Lilly Ruggiere; Tickets – Barbara Day; Light and Sound Technicians – Rich Gaudette, Miriam Sass; Set Construction and Painting – Matt Sedlier and Ducati Sedlier; Costumes – Jessica Reed; Props and Set Furnishings – Gwen O’Brien, Kathi Grenier; House – Chris McTigue.
Performances:
August 1, 2025 through August 3, 2025
(Contact Box Office for Exact Times)
PLEASE NOTE: Performances for this production are to be held at the Southbridge High School/Middle School auditorium in Southbridge, MA.
TICKETS:
Online credit card ticket sales are available at www.gatewayplayers.org
For more information call 508-764-4531 or visit www.gatewayplayers.org
BUY TICKETS
Presented by permission through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.
This program is supported by a grant from the Southbridge Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
COVID 19 PROTOCOLS
Contact Venue for Most Updated COVID-19 Safety Protocols and Information.
(Warning: The following review contains spoilers)
Continuing their 50th Anniversary celebratory season, the Gateway Players bring “to life” the musical "FIDDLER ON THE ROOF" now playing in Southbridge.
This is an earnestly approached production filled with much enthusiasm among the Gateway Players cast and that enthusiasm proved infectious to the opening night audience that simply was wowed by the musical.
The live pit musicians under the music direction of Connie Galli (along with actual "Fiddler" Sunshine Wagner) are alone as a group well worth the price of admission.
After premiering in 1964, "FIDDLER ON THE ROOF" was first musical in Broadway history that had a theatre run surpass 3,000 performances.
It also held the record for the longest-running Broadway musical for almost 10 years (until “Grease” surpassed it - by the way, look for two reviews of THAT show over the next week or so).
The original musical production of "FIDDLER ON THE ROOF" featured the incomparable Zero Mostel as lead character “Tevye” and won nine Tony® Awards, including ones for Best Musical, Score, Book, Direction and Choreography.
After the success of the highly successful show, an Oscar®-winning film adaptation starring actor Topol as "Tevye" was made in 1971 under acclaimed director Norman Jewison.
The motion picture was nominated for 13 Academy® Awards and won nine altogether.
This latest production of "FIDDLER ON THE ROOF" by Gateway Players continues the legacy of faithful live stagings.
Based upon the book of stories by author Sholem Aleichem, the familiar opening music of "FIDDLER" begins and the Gateway Players transport us back into the beginnings of the 20th century.
We find ourselves in the tiny village of Anatevka, occupied by a peasant but functioning populace under an oppressive pre-revolutionary Russia of the Czars and his occupying soldiers.
Mike Lapomardo portrays the iconic character of struggling village milkman “Reb Tevye” as one of the most famous show openers in musical history, “Tradition,” commences.
The pacing for the opening number, as is the case with all the musical numbers, is kept brisk, probably to maintain the show's three-hour run time.
Overall, this was probably a wise decision, made by director Patricia Haddock or music director Connie Galli or perhaps even a combined decision by both, although it did mean sacrificing some of the more acting "nuance" moments within the libretto.
Lapomardo brings a cherubic charm that does not try to mimic any of the other "Tevyes" that came before - there's little or no resemblance to Zero, Herschel Bernardi, Topol or (thankfully) Harvey Fierstein.
Lapomardo instead yields a much more soft-hearted Tevye, especially when Tevye speaks with his closest friend, God.
Throughout the show's opener Tevye describes where we are and who we will encounter throughout the story, a brilliant show construct that has lasted almost 60 years.
All families and neighbors immediately become familiar to us, and we find ourselves caring about them and their lives almost as much as their fellow neighbors.
Much of this is due to the combination of the show’s Book by Joseph Stein, Music by Jerry Bock and Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick (and with Original Choreography & Direction by Jerome Robbins).
The choreography for the Gateway Players' special anniversary production is provided by Valerie Langlais but has been kept rudimentary, especially during moments where one might expect there to be more elaborate dance moments, such as i the celebratory "To Life" or during the "Wedding" at the end of Act One.
While the use of sets is impressive, this is a show that has proven, time and time again, that when it comes to sets and backgrounds, less is more, and here it once again is proven true.
Set changes appear inhibited by the mammoth primary set of the exterior of Tevye's home center stage that requires the curtain to be closed each time so it can be turned around to represent the interior of Tevye's home, adding between 1 to 2 minutes per scene change each time.
The set crew works diligently and as expeditiously as possible, but it is an uphill battle, especially during the first act.
The second act feels much more streamlined as the set is rotated far less.
In addition, the acoustics at the venue seem to present problems for some in the cast to hear when to come in during certain songs, occasionally resulting in either rhythm or pitch issues.
At the opening night performance, there were also some noticeable audio issues with backstage microphones not being turned off.
That said, every single member of the cast, crew and supporting ensemble gives their best effort to present what can be overtly challenging material.
In the end, though, every success or failure of a "FIDDLER ON THE ROOF" staging rests squarely upon the shoulder of its lead - and for Gateway Players they have a very successful Tevye in Lapomardo.
(Photo: Mike Lapomardo as “Tevye” in a moment from the iconic musical "FIDDLER ON THE ROOF" from Gateway Players in Southbridge, MA. now playing for one weekend only until August 3, 2025. Photo Credit David Corkum)
Tevye describes how both Jews and Orthodox Christians live a tense, unsettled existence in Anatevka balancing a peace between them like the aforementioned “fiddler on the roof.”
Tevye is not a rich man (although he amusingly dreams about being one, describing such a life in detail in the wishful thinking song, “If I Were a Rich Man”) and one married for 25 years to his wife, Golde (Dawn Sedlier).
Sedlier gives a solid portrayal of the no nonsense, ever-practical Golde, who sometimes comes across more as Tevye’s employer than spouse.
But then, slowly we see how this couple could never NOT be together.
Together, Tevye and Golde have five daughters.
They only want the best for their children which, to them, comes in the form of loving, providing husbands, which they include in their prayer for their daughters during the emotionally somber homage to Jewish Sabbath Prayer, “Sunrise, Sunset.”
Among the traditions of the Jewish community, it is Yente the Matchmaker (Lynn Boucher) who arranges the “match” for weddings of neighboring families…and the father approves it.
In the Gateway Players' production, Boucher seemingly embraces the role of "Yente" - a woman whose important matrimonial function becomes challenged by the changing times and the danger of couples who seek to choose their own mates…their own loves.
Almost instantly, it seems as if their prayers might be answered as Yente arranges a match for oldest daughter, Tzeitel (Hillary Robertson) to old widowed butcher Lazar Wolf (David Yutzler).
Robertson is quite good as the young Tzeitel, who is horrified at the above prospect, even though it would greatly benefit the family as Lazar Wolf is considered a wealthy man in the village.
However, Tzeitel is in love with poor yet aspiring village tailor Motel Kamzoil (Jonathan Martin).
After meeting with Lazar Wolf, Tevye agrees to the wedding and, under one of the most notable numbers from the show “To Life,” a pact is made for a joining of their houses.
As mentioned earlier, the dancing during the above number is neither elaborate nor refined, but where the song lacks in skill it more than makes up for in honest enthusiasm.
(Photo: Mike Lapomardo as “Tevye” with Dawn Sedlier as “Golde” surrounded by family and friends for "Sabbath Prayer" in a moment from the iconic musical "FIDDLER ON THE ROOF" from Gateway Players in Southbridge, MA. now playing for one weekend only until August 3, 2025. Photo Credit David Corkum)
Tzeitel and Motel confess their love to Tevye and seek his permission for them to get married.
After a series of arguments, Tevye ultimately relents, giving them his permission (and not knowing how to break the news to Golde).
Motel beams at his good fortune as he sings "Miracle of Miracles." Jonathan Martin successfully performs the above number as Motel, demonstrating Motel's love for Tzeitel throughout the song.
One personal observation (okay, rant) about "Miracles" - something which has always bugged me and has nothing to do with the staging or execution here:
Every single time I have ever seen this song performed, the actress portraying Tzeitel literally is given NOTHING to do outside of watch Motel sing.
The actress can smile, react and...yeah...that's about it.
Not a fault of the performer, but certainly after all this much time passed SOMEONE on the creative side of any production could think of how to make "Miracles" more interesting for any actress playing Tzeitel.
Anyway, later Tevye discovers a similar situation when his second oldest daughter, Hodel (Beau Hicks), and radical socio-political student Perchik (Chris Lam) also decide to marry each other - only this time they are not seeking Tevye’s approval – only his understanding, his acceptance and his blessing.
Hicks is outstanding as Hodel, evidenced in her rendering of the heartbreaking song, "Far From the Home I Love."
Continuously throughout the Gateway Players' telling of the timeless tale, Tevye is challenged - forced to accept many new values which directly oppose his long-held beliefs.
The same applies to many of the residents of Anatevka.
How they deal with these changes to their norm is what has made this show so special for many.
(Photo: The CAST of the musical "FIDDLER ON THE ROOF" from Gateway Players in Southbridge, MA. now playing for one weekend only until August 3, 2025. Photo Credit David Corkum)
Other familiar musical numbers from the score are executed well including “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” sung by Robertson and Hicks with Sarah Tonkin who plays third daughter, Chava.
Tonkin is another true highlight of the Gateway Players' production as Chava, who also decides to get married, but to a member of the Czar troops and a Christian, Fyedka (Ducati Sedlier).
Tevye attributes this as marrying an enemy as the Czar troops seek the ouster of the villagers which Tevye sees as an eventuality.
As such, he will not accept their union.
When Chava and Fyedka elope to marry, Tevye completely rejects Chava and tells Golde that Chava is now "dead" to them.
The emotions range from how family treats family, how neighbor treats neighbor, how spouse chooses spouse and how love and faith is embedded in all these things and more.
Technically, costumes are period-specific, and the added sets pieces (such as Tevye's "milkcart-sans-horse") are also nice touches.
Director Haddock has ably guided the musical and, even with the previously mentioned set issue, has effectively utilized the space of the Southbridge High School/Middle School auditorium.
Throughout, Tevye guides us through the overall emotional musical odyssey so that, by the end of "FIDDLER ON THE ROOF," we see that the odyssey for the people of Anatevka, is only just beginning.
(Photo: Dawn Sedlier as “Golde” (left) observes as Mike Lapomardo as Tevye” recounts a strange dream meeting Marina Matuzek (right) as “Grandma Tzeitel” in a moment from the iconic musical "FIDDLER ON THE ROOF" from Gateway Players in Southbridge, MA. now playing for one weekend only until August 3, 2025. Photo Credit David Corkum)
As it has sustained itself for lo these many decades, "FIDDLER ON THE ROOF" remains a timeless story and the Gateway Players do it justice.
So, don't miss out - try to catch the remaining performances in Southbridge which ends tomorrow, August 3rd.
Coming up next as the Gateway Players 50th Anniversary Season continues is William Gleason’s “THE CLUMSY CUSTARD HORROR SHOW” beginning October 4th, 2025.
For tickets and information, contact Gateway Players at # 508-764-4531 or visit www.gatewayplayers.org.
BUY TICKETS
Approximately three hours with one intermission.
Kevin T. Baldwin is a member of the American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA)
@MetrmagReviews
@Theatre_Critics
ABOUT THE SHOW
Set in the little village of Anatevka, "FIDDLER ON THE ROOF" centers on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters.
With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill them with traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia.
Rich in historical and ethnic detail, "FIDDLER ON THE ROOF" and its universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy and sadness.
ABOUT GATEWAY PLAYERS THEATRE OF SOUTHBRIDGE
GATEWAY PLAYERS THEATRE, INC. is an all-volunteer community theater providing quality live theatre performances and workshops to Southbridge, Sturbridge, and Charlton, Massachusetts and surrounding areas. GATEWAY PLAYERS THEATRE, INC. started in 1975, when a group of interested community members decided that Southbridge needed a theater group to bring live productions to the area. First using local schools and borrowed rehearsal and storage space, GATEWAY then moved into its current home in 1978, when Ruth Wells (of the American Optical Company Wells family) donated her home on Main Street as a cultural center in Southbridge. GATEWAY PLAYERS THEATRE offers a full season of productions, usually performed at Elm Street Congregational Church, 61 Elm Street, Southbridge, MA. as well as workshops for youths and adults. Auditions are open to all, and new members are always welcome.
P.O. Box # 171
Southbridge, MA. 01550
# 508-764-4531
