Cleveland Play House's ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ Finds Joy in Hardship

Robert Cuccioli (Tevye) in Cleveland Play House’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof” Credit: Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni

“Fiddler on the Roof” is about struggling to embrace change in a world that threatens your beliefs and traditional way of life. It explores generational trauma, the patriarchy, displacement and anti-semitism. Based on these descriptors, you might think that the show calls for a depressing, heavy night at the theater, but this could not be further from the truth.

Cleveland Play House’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof” is a joyous, rousing production that highlights the resilience of a community determined to find happiness in a bleak world that seeks to break them.

The story takes place in the fictional Russian shtetl of Anatevka in 1905 and follows Tevye, a poor milkman. Tevye is the leader of his Jewish community and the father of five daughters, some of whom are preparing to be married. Tradition demands that these marriages be made by a matchmaker and the parents, an old-fashioned belief that Tevye’s daughters challenge. Tevye must decide whether to adhere to tradition or adapt to times that are not only continuing to change but steadily threatening the community’s lives and well-being.

“Fiddler on the Roof,” with music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and book by Joseph Stein, premiered on Broadway in 1964. It has earned international fame, multiple Broadway revivals, a popular film adaptation and nine Tony awards. Although the source material is over 60 years old, the classic musical and its enduring themes continue to resonate with audiences.

This is true for Northeast Ohio audiences, who bought so many tickets before the show even opened that Cleveland Play House extended its run and added on-stage seating. Cleveland Play House’s artistic director Michael Barakiva serves as director for this production. He leads a talented cast in a “Fiddler on the Roof” that acknowledges hardship and trauma, but focuses on the love and healing that can result from unwavering resiliency.

Robert Cuccioli as the leading man Tevye is outstanding. Cuccioli expertly blends hard and soft characteristics–boisterous and gentle, strict and pliant, dour and joyful–to craft an empathetic and dynamic master of the house. The persistent slump to his shoulders, the weariness in his eyes and the shakiness of his hands speak to Tevye’s physical and emotional burdens, yet his stage presence never loses its commanding edge. Also wonderfully commanding is Golde, Tevye’s wife, who is well-portrayed in this production by an indomitable Joanna Glushak. Cuccioli and Glushak make a compelling, attractive couple.

Maria Noel Fallouh plays Tzeitel, the eldest of the couple’s five daughters. Fallouh is most captivating, and her scenes with Brendan Lowry as Tzeitel’s childhood friend and love, Motel, are endearing and delightful. Their song “Miracle of Miracles” is an upbeat, joyful proclamation of love that feels authentic.

The second eldest daughter, Hodel, and her budding love interest, Perchik, are played by Bebe Moss and Avery Lamar Pope, respectively. Pope brings a softness to his forward-thinking rebel of a character. This softness is sometimes overpowered by Moss, whose strong, operatic voice dominates in their shared song “Now I Have Everything.” Moss’ solo song, “Far From the Home I Love,” is an emotional show-stopper.

Chava, Tevye’s third daughter, is played by the sweet Sasha Geisser. Michael Glavan is imperial and charming as Fyedka, a gentile who captures Chava’s attention. Director Barakiva made thought-provoking choices with Fyedka and Chava’s characters, with the former being a Russian soldier and the latter double-cast as the Fiddler.

Other prominent cast members include Geoffrey Short as Lazar Wolf, Kristine Zbornik as Yente, Christina McSheffrey as Bielke and Addie Wisniewski as Shprintze. It would be remiss to not mention the larger-than-life puppetry used during “Tevye’s Dream,” which is sure to dazzle.

With accompanying music under the direction of Diane Louie, each song is performed with gusto and palpable passion. The musical staging and choreography by Staś Kmieć is vibrant and vigorous and the cast executes musical numbers with contagious energy. The multiple Bottle and Russian Dancers are wonderfully entertaining during the songs “To Life” and “The Wedding Dance.” The cast should also be commended on how well they navigate what sometimes appears as a cramped playing space; over twenty cast members performing intense, lively choreography with the addition of audience members seated on stage can have a congested effect.

Scenic designer Raul Abrego crafted a stunning, monochromatic Anatevka that is beautifully lit by Zach Blane. It features two-dimensional cutouts reminiscent of props used during shadow puppetry. Costume designer Suwatana “Pla” Rockland dresses the cast in skirts, ushanka, tzitzit and headscarves that are often dull earth tones. The set, costuming and lighting reiterate that the people of Anatevka are not defined by possessions or setting, but by their character and community, which is used to infuse color into the story.

When Tevye’s community is threatened by pogroms, violent riots and demonstrations designed to expel certain ethnic and religious groups, “Fiddler on the Roof” can become heavy–even oppressively sad. Cleveland Play House’s production ensures that you recognize these moments of darkness as catalysts for renewed strength, community and determination so that when you leave the theater, you leave inspired.

“Fiddler on the Roof” runs through May 25 at the Cleveland Play House in the Allen Theatre,1407 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland. Tickets can be purchased by calling (216) 241-6000 or by visiting clevelandplayhouse.com, $25-$105.

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