Fiddler on the Roof returns with a cutting edge

Tradition has been a core element of Fiddler on the Roof ever since the musical, set in 1905 in the shtetl of Anatevka in Imperial Russia, premiered on Broadway in 1964.

Based on the book by Joseph Stein, music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and inspired by the Yiddish stories of Sholem Aleichem, the musical has delighted millions of theatregoers around the world with its timeless story set around milkman Tevye, his wife Golde and their five daughters.

This new production, which debuted at London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in 2024 and opened at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre on November 5 as part of an Australian tour, has all the drama and hit songs of previous productions, but instead feaures a minimalist stage.

Director Jordan Fein’s pared-down staging comprising rows of wheat ensures the focus shines dramatically on the main characters, enhanced by inspired lighting effects and energetic dance numbers.

Over the years Australian audiences have seen stars such as Chaim Topol and Anthony Warlow play the lead role of Tevye. For this production, local actor Troy Sussman draws on a musical theatre career spanning almost four decades for his major role of a father figure who shows warmth, knowledge and humour.

In a major departure from previous productions, the role of the fiddler has been elevated in importance – an inspired move thanks to the talent and showmanship of Ben Adler.

The fiddler comes down from the roof and spends a lot of time on stage, using his violin to portray the changing mood and action ranging from exuberant dance routines to dramatic events.

All the iconic, show-stopping scenes have lost none of their excitement, especially the bottle dance at Motel and Tzeital’s wedding and the imaginative dream scene featuring Fruma Sarah.

And, of course, memorable songs such as Tradition, If I Were a Rich Man, Matchmaker, Matchmaker, To Life and Sunrise, Sunset.

Matchmaking is an important tradition in Anatevka and the job falls on Yente (played by acclaimed actress Sigrid Thornton), who works on marrying off Tzeitel (Freya Boltman), the eldest daughter of Tevye and Golde (Alexis Fishman), to the much older but wealthy butcher Lazar Wolf (played by veteran actor John Waters).

But Tzeitel has her heart set of childhood friend Motel (Felix Star), a hardworking but poor tailor, and the young couple get their way – the first break against tradition which is followed by Tevye’s other daughters, Hodel (Ellen Ebbs) and Chava (Caity Plummer).

This production, which has already been staged in Sydney and Brisbane and heads to Perth after the Melbourne season, features plenty of Jewish talent led by Sussman, Fishman and resident director Gary Abrahams and including Rubin Matters as the rabbi’s son Mendel, Maxwell Simon playing Perchik and Romy Juliette Glass as Shprintze.

Director Jordan Fein, choreographer Julia Cheng and lighting designer Aideen Malone contribute to the success of the production, while musical director Dominic Woodhead leads the band performing on stage.

Fiddler on the Roof is at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne until December 27. Bookings: fiddlerontherooftour.com