Super Fiddler on the Roof in Edmonton
by Alicen on 2010-01-25Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium - EdmontonRating: 5 out of 5Having seen the movie with the Topol interpretation of Tevye, I was surprised at first to see a different interpretation by Bidel. Well, of course, why not a different interpretation! He is Bidel. Instead of being Topol's larger than life Tevye, Bidel gave us a more believeable and true to life character, closer to Everyman. It took a couple of minuites to make the adjustment from expectation to a recognition that here was a different approach to Tevye.
And I loved it. Bidel's performance of Tevye completely won us over. We laughed and we cried, something that the movie version never did for me though we enjoyed it also. If people come to see a Topol interpretation, then they will be disappointed. But if people come to see a more realistic interpretation of a struggling and loving father and husband in a time of strife and change, then they will truly enjoy this version of Fiddler on the Roof.
I loved the ever present fiddler, first on the roof and then coming in throughout the performance, and finally following Tevye's family to America. It was a very clever way to make Tevye's religious attachement to tradition visible. Everytime he made a decision of the heart against tradition, he waved the fiddler away. The key to understanding Tevye's decisions was the everpresent importance of tradition, as a stabilizing principle of their community in times of instability. The clash with change was the source of the tension in the play. It was very cleverly played out with many comic moments to keep the production lighter. We could laugh at the twists and turns in life's struggles.
Yes, all the singers were not of the same caliber but all were good singers and gave convincing performances above the level of what we see locally.
It was a real treat and a very memorable performance. I'd recommend this to anyone. Just leave Topol expectations at home. You will see a very real Everyman instead.