Spalding Amateur Dramatic Society (SADOS) brought Tsarist Russia to life this week when they staged an exceptionally good production of Fiddler on the Roof at the South Holland Centre.
The show, one of the most successful musicals in the history of theatre, tells the story of milkman Tevye, struggling to maintain his Jewish traditions while the world around him is changing. He is weary, his horse is lame, his wife Golde gently nags him and his five strong-willed daughters exasperate him. No wonder, then, he questions why God should test him and so dreams of a life without poverty (If I were a Rich Man).
Tevye was played quite superbly by Alasdair Baker, whose powerful warm-toned voice filled the theatre. His accent was excellent and his facial expressions mesmerising, with eyes which twinkled with humour. He was partnered by Beverley Moore, playing his brisk, no-nonsense wife, Golde, whose guard eventually dropped a little in the achingly beautiful duet, Do you love me?
Three delightful young actresses, Amy Perkins (Tzeitel), Abigail Bourne (Hodel) and Beth Whitelam (Chava) showed off their sparkling voices in the fun song, Matchmaker. Matchmaker and they were well-matched with their equally talented partners, Robin Myers (Motel), Ben Norris (Perchik) and James de Silva (Fyedka).
I have to say, hats off to a fabulous ensemble. Yes, some of the accents were a little more Lincolnshire than Leningrad, but the group numbers for Tradition and To Life were fizzing with energy. Congratulations to the choreographer Charlotte Smith (assisted by Nicky Lavis) who succeeded in creating very effective, sharp moves to bring out the best in the cast. And well done to the chaps on Friday night who all managed to keep the bottles on their heads throughout the whole of The Bottle Dance.
Some great cameo parts were evident in the production, namely Jane Fulford, Debbie Richards and Peter Breach. Scene-stealer of the night has to be Mandie Collier, fresh from her success as ‘Mother’ in SADOS’ production of Sandcastles: her garrulous, gossipy matchmaker, Yente, was a joy.
The orchestra, conducted by musical director, Lynne Baker, played exquisitely throughout the show; costumes were spot on and the set, based on the latest Broadway revival, was deceptively simple and a credit to the team.
If I have one gripe it was that the first half was too long. If they could have lopped off twenty minutes by shortening a song, a scene, or quickening up the dialogue a little, that would have been appreciated. Nonetheless, the director, Martin Tyrrell and producer, Elaine Deathridge, should be justly proud of their production.
As Tevye might have said, “On the one hand, this was up there with the best of all SADOS musicals. On the other hand……………there is no other hand.”
Sounds a darn sight better than what was on the TV last night…
There were two spare seats right next to us: you and Karen could have nipped over from Leamington Spa.
I love Fiddler ……….watched the film the other day whilst ironing and had a whale of a time singing along. Are you not involved as a performer any more Trish?
It's always been a favourite of mine too, Libby.
Haven't got involved this year: with Rory's GCSEs bang in the middle of the run, I wanted to be at home for him. We start rehearsing for the concerts again soon so will join the choir for that as it's not quite such a commitment.
I love Fidler On The Roof. In the film I always cry right at the end when they are all leaving and Tevye says to Chavele, under his breath because he won't talk to her, "May God go with you." And then they all leave her behind. There are many Russian immigrants in Israel and when I see them I think: the only difference between you and me is that my Great-grandparents left and yours didn't. Many of them look exactly like the old men I uded to see in Synagogue when I was a child. When I visited Russia in 1986, I couldn't get over how familiar a lot of people looked (there's also a Slavic/scandinavian look, I don't mean them). The old people all looked like friends' grandpas.
I always found the film so moving when I watched it as a child. This show was just as emotional, especially the ending.
So interesting to read about your visit to Russia: to go there and see familiar faces.
I love FOTR and the soundtrack is a favorite too. Had it been playing here, I would have definitely gone to see it. How lovely to be involved with such a talented group.
It was great to see so many new people in the group too, especially the young ones who had such fabulous voices. That's what we need to keep the group thriving.
Sounds like great fun. After such success, maybe they could think about changing their name from SADOS ?!?
I know! We get a bit of grief about our name but it's been called that for about 100 years. Thankfully it's pronounced say doss!
But was it as good as Kelso's…..? (KAOS, to those in the know…)
Of course!! I forgot. How did the show go north of the border?