If someone asked me for a good introductory musical to someone not familiar with the medium I just might say Fiddler on the Roof. The songs are authentic and moving, the themes easy to relate with and the characters are endearing. It’s only real downside is how long it is but its charms more than make up for that element. If you want to see a very solid version of Fiddler check out the new production at The Ruth. It won’t disappoint!

I saw the MWF version of the cast, which is led by Ben Henderson as Tevye with Claire Kenny as Golde. The whole cast has a lovely chemistry together including the leads and the large ensemble, well directed by Barta Heiner. The lighting by Michael Gray is also beautifully done with a bold color background helping to amplify whatever Tevye might be feeling- red for anger, yellow for friendship etc.

In addition to Henderson and Kenny, real life married couple Sydney and Bronson Dameron play Hodel and Perchik respectively. This gives them a natural chemistry that adds a lot to their characters (it is a love story after all.) I also really enjoyed Maria Stephens as Chava. Her “Little Bird” ballet is always one of my favorite parts of Fiddler and this is no exception with beautiful choreograpy by Ben Roeling.

If you have seen Fiddler than nothing in this production will surprise you but with such strong material we don’t really need surprises. “Tevye’s Dream” is the spot in the musical where the director can be the most creative. Here they start out simple and then it expands into something that feels like it’s from a lyric opera. Fruma-Sarah even begins growing to cover the entire stage as things get more and more madcap during the song.

I don’t see any cultural representatives credited in the program but everything feels like it has a high attention to detail in an attempt to be accurate including all the traditional clothing (costumes by Elizabeth Banks Wertz) and the chuppah at the wedding (set designer James Baldwin.) The lace shawls used by the women in the “Sabbath Prayer” scenes particularly stand out for their beauty and simplicity.

I do think the 2nd story of the set could have been used to create more movement across the stage but that’s just me. They did start the bottles dance scene (as well as others) on the spiral staircase, which is very impressive. The only other main critique I’d give is the cast is somewhat fast and lose with the accents. Some have strong ones while others don’t try much at all and sound very modern. This can be a little jarring at times. I could have also used more interaction between Tevye and Angelica Salazar as the Fiddler (she is one of the only people on that 2nd story of the set) but I still like the interactions we did get.

Of course, Fiddler on the Roof at The Ruth does contain sobering moments and themes so if you take kids make sure they are prepared for the experience. Like I said, it’s also a long show so preparation is key for kids or adults! It is playing until March 21st and tickets can be purchased here.

Fiddler on the Roof has music by Jerry Bock with lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and a book by Joseph Stein based on Teye the Dairyman by Sholem Aleichem. It first premiered on Broadway in 1964 and yet it still feels more relevant that ever. It has been revived multiple times and is a beloved favorite for many.

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