I always enjoy any time I get to see the classic musical Fiddler on the Roof but it seems especially important to watch now with the current affairs of the world. I can’t think of a time in my lifetime where so much antisemitism has been proliferated, even encouraged, and by those who should know better. Seeing the way Tevye and his family are treated and driven from their homes is sobering and a good reminder to all of us of the cost of hatred and bigotry. And yet the musical is also charming and funny with a tender heart to it. Centerpoint Legacy is the latest local theater to attempt this classic and it is a wonderful production I highly recommend for the entire family.

One of the challenges of Centerpoint on their main stage is how large and sprawling it is. It makes the intimacy needed for the show to work difficult. We want to feel like Tevye is talking with us, and we are a guest at his home and family events. Director Shelby Ferrin helps solve this problem by keeping the stage full and active with such a large dynamic cast. For example, in “Sabbath Prayer” we don’t just see Tevye’s table celebrating but see 3 other groups also participating in the prayer and song.

The set by Truxton Moulton is outstanding with a thatched roof home with smoking chimney that can flip around to see the inside of the house (although they didn’t do that as much as I would have liked.) This makes a perfect place for our Fiddler (Suzanne Chapman) to perch upon and watch all the action. The costumes by Lindsay Beardall are also impressive with a careful attention to detail in all the Jewish traditions and customs, which I appreciate.

There are 2 key scenes that must be executed right to make a great Fiddler in my book. First is “Tevye’s Dream.” I love this segment because it’s the one song where the personality of the company can really shine. At Centerpoint they have giant puppets on stilts brought in which dance and tell the story of the dream. This is very creative and something I’ve never seen before. They also have Fruma-Sarah (Claire Glaittli) flying through the air like a witch in a dream would do. It’s a blast.

Another key scene is “Chavaleh” which is more of a ballet sequence than a song and once again it is an opportunity for the company to express their unique vision for the story. Here Chava (Maren Messerly) begins as a little girl and as the dance grows her sisters join her and the devastation Tevye is experiencing is palatable and moving. The many colored lighting by Jordan Fowler is also particularly effective in this sequence including the very skillfully used spotlights.

Tevye is played by Danny Inkley with warmth and winking charm we love to see in the role, and he has good chemistry naturally with the Golde played by Wendy Inkley. I also really enjoyed Chloe Warnas as Hodel who has the most vocally challenging song of the night with “Far From the Home I Love.” There are times when the performances feel a little modern in their tone but that is something they can work on as the show progresses. Also there were a few sound glitches but nothing too disruptive.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again the Centerpoint experience is hard to beat when it comes to community theater. The fact you can have this level of performance and production value for such affordable prices is truly remarkable. I highly recommend supporting them and bringing the family to see Fiddler on the Roof. It is a long show but it’s worth it. Mazel tov to all involved. Fiddler on the Roof is playing until June 18th and tickets can be purchased here.

Fiddler on the Roof has music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick with a book by Joseph Stein. It is based on the short stories “Tevye the Dairyman” by Sholem Aleichem. It was first produced on Broadway in 1964 and the feature film debuted in 1971 winning 4 Oscars including one for John Williams for his score adaptation..

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