The premise for the story of ‘Fiddler On The Roof’ is set in late 19th Century Russia but the story could very well be applied to the refugees of today.
It is timely that ‘Fiddler On The Roof’ has resurfaced for Australian audiences right at a time where both sides of Australian politics have treated refugees with callousness. There really is no difference to the characters of the ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ storyline to those in need who are treated as criminals by the Australian government today.
If ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ can do anything right now, it can show that there is a humane obligation to look after people, who through no fault of their own, happen to be born in not so fortunate circumstances. What is sad is that that same obligation has existed for centuries. While iPhones may get an upgrade every year human kindness doesn’t.
Noise11.com at the Fiddler On The Roof rehearsals
The world-class actors who were chosen for this new Tim Lawson production of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ are totally convincing in their performance. Australia’s ‘Phantom of the Opera’ star Anthony Warhol is a seasoned performer of the Australian stage and you expect him to be exceptional but in character you do not even notice that it is Anthony Warhol up there. Warhol becomes Teyve in this show and while his character’s attitude is frustrating, you feel for the man battling through a hard life with a wife and family at a time of cultural change. Teyve is torn between his old values and the beliefs of his daughters but his biggest problem is not family and surrounding friends but that his entire society is about to explode.
Sigrid Thornton is Australian entertainment royalty. As Golde, she is both the supporting wife but knows how far to allow her old-fashioned husband to go before she needs to give him a reality check. Like Teyve, she also has no idea that her world is about to be torn apart.
Lior is one of Australia’s most talented singer songwriters. Anyone with a young child knows that moment minutes before 7pm each night on ABC Kids when Lior sings his lullaby for the children. More known as a concert performer it was incredible to watch Lior, someone who is more used to performing with a guitar and mic in front of an audience. He masters his role of Motel.
Alongside Loir we have Nicki Wendt, whose stage credentials make her one of Australia’s most competent actors, who as Yente is the perfect companion to Lior’s Motel.
Then there is Lazar Wolfe, played by one of Australia’s most diverse talents, Mark Mitchell. Mitchell may be a household name as Con The Fruiterer but that was such as small part of a very active career that has seen Mitchell perform comedy, drama and musicals all with equal vigour.
The music of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ centres around the now classic ‘If I Were A Rich Man’. It is the core of the show.
With Melbourne currently hosting ‘Fiddler On The Roof’, ‘Cats’ and ‘Georgy Girl’ the city continues to reign as the Entertainment Capital of Australia.
All three musicals are world class and all three totally different. While ‘Fiddler On The Roof’ may be viewed as an old relic being dusted off by some, the truth is, it is the most politically motivating show on stage right now.
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