A scene from Sonoma State University's production of "Fiddler on the Roof," presented by the Departments of Music and Theatre Arts & Dance Photo by Jeff Thomas
Legend has it that a production of Fiddler On the Roof is playing somewhere in the world at all times. Right now, the smash-hit, half-a-century-old musical that ran from its 1964 Broadway Debut for 10 years straight (a then-record of 3,242 consecutive performances), celebrates its enduring success as an international phenomenon, here in the North Bay at Sonoma State University.
The show launched complete with full, live orchestra, for an outstanding opening night, February 6th and runs through February 16th, 2014.
I have to say that I've since enjoyed reading the background rich and informative playbill (complete with a brief guide to Jewish rituals and traditions), produced by Sonoma State's departments of Music and Theatre, Arts and Dance almost as much as the show itself, which, for such an ambitious undertaking, must be applauded for its rousing, capable interpretation of such a musical theatre gem.
Music Director Lynne Morrow, Stage Director Adrian Elfenbaum and Choreographer Nancy Lyons, their production team, cast and orchestra inspired a quality performance of a Broadway classic that is as relevant in today's world for its exploration of family relationships, love, community, prejudice and assimilation as it was in its setting of a Jewish Russian village, in 1905.
Standouts were actors John Shillington as lead character, milkman and patriarch, Tevye and Elizabeth Henry, as his wife, Golde. Daughters Tzeitel, Hodel and Chava (pictured above), played by Anna Leach, Emilianne Lewis and Sarah Maxon were quite delightful to follow in their individual negotiations to avoid the matchmaker's selections.
One or two musical numbers appeared a bit of a stretch in parts, but not too much to any detriment of the audience's enjoyment and it was uplifting to see so many of the student cast's fellow classmates in attendance to rally enthusiastic applause.
Dramaturg (one within a theatre or opera company who handles research and development of plays or operas), Rachealanne Weiss wrote a compelling piece in the handbill connecting the history of many Russian Jews who came to New York City from villages such as Tevye's Anatevka to work in sweatshops, restaurants and as peddlers.
"Did Tevye stay in New York City....Or might a friend have mentioned an article in the Yiddish paper advertising a small, but well known Jewish Community in Petaluma?" she wrote. Food for thought, hypothetically.
"In the early 1900s, Petaluma's Jewish community swelled as people left the sweatshops, vegetable stands and city bustle of New York and San Francisco for the fresh air and back-to-the-land prospects of farming chickens in Petaluma," wrote Weiss.
She pointed out that before leaving Russia many of the Jewish people who settled in Petaluma were likely friends of political intellectuals such as the character Perchick in author Joseph Stein's original Fiddler on the Roof story. They had a huge appetite for politics and community. In 1925, a Jewish community center was built in Petaluma, primarily for housing traditional activities such as studies, large community meals and heated political debate.
According to Weiss: "The intense political bent of Petaluma's Jewish community effectively put Petaluma's Jews on the map. Important figures in the Jewish world sought them out, like Israeli prime minister Golda Meir, who came to speak in Petaluma."
In 1962 Sonoma State University adopted the Cossack as the universities mascot. Cossacks, a Russian Eurasion tribe, were known for many things, including skilled horsemanship, battle prowess and colorful costuming. As Cossacks had led so many bloody, historical massacres against non-Christians, Jewish faculty and students at SSU were understandably not at all keen on the celebration of the Cossack. After years of tension, the mascot was changed in 2002 to the Seawolf, in more suitable celebration of the late and revered Sonoma County author Jack London.
Fiddler on the Roof runs for around three hours (with a 15 minute interval).
WHEN: Feb. 6 to Feb. 16, 2014
7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays
5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9 (Sing-a-long performance)
1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12 (Piano only performance)
2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16
LOCATION: Evert B. Person Theatre
Sonoma State University
1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Evert B. Person Theatre is accessed through the main entrance to Sonoma State University.
VENUES / PARKING:
Evert B. Person Theatre: From the South entrance on East Cotati Avenue, turn right at the stop sign in front of the information kiosk. Park in Lots E (left) and F (right). Parking passes are $5 and may be purchased from the self-dispenser at the lot entrance.
TICKET PRICES: Admission prices to performances range from $10 to $17. Sonoma State University students are admitted free for all performances. $10 non-SSU students and seniors; $15 Sonoma State University Faculty and Staff; $17 standard admission. Tickets also sold at the door one hour prior to curtain.
TICKETS ONLINE: http://www.sonoma.edu/theatreanddance/productions/fiddler.html
PHONE / BOX OFFICE: 707-664-4246
The box office is located in the Student Union building. On performance nights, depending on the performance venue, the Person Theatre or Ives Hall box office will open one hour prior to the event start time. Box office hours are: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday, 4:30 p.m. and one hour prior to all performances. Contact the box office at 707-664-4246 or email to tickets@sonoma.edu
WEB SITE: www.sonoma.edu/theatreanddance/productions
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