Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2010 > March > 04 > Entry
Reflections on Fierstein’s “Fiddler”
Before it closes on Sunday, I should say a few words about the touring version of “Fiddler on the Roof” starring Harvey Fierstein at Bass Concert Hall.
Road show director Sammy Dallas Bayes clearly respects the essentials from the 1964 Broadway production, but in hundreds of small ways, he departs from holy writ. This is healthy and refreshing.
To be clear, there’s nothing radical in his interpretation, or that of his star, whose handprints are on every scene. Audiences are always watching Tevye to see how he’ll react to each new test to his character. And Fierstein takes full possession of the role from the second he opens his lips.
The performer’s character voice takes only a few minutes of adjustment. (Side note: The sound amplification at Bass was pitch perfect on opening night for once.) Fierstein’s comic inventions remained mostly on target, especially during the long dream sequence. A little camp at times? Sure, but that’s part of the human experience as well.
His most telling additions, however, delve into more serious emotions, making connections where none existed in previous “Fiddler” productions. The way he wipes his hand after touching Fyedka in the tailor shop, or envelopes Golde’s fingers for a moment before leaving Anatevka, these introduce unforeseen facets of humanity into the role and show.
I had waited a long time to see “Fiddler” again. I cherish memories of a University of Houston production in the early 1970s that made the material so vivid (and, similar to what Fierstein recountd in his interview here, was closer to a time when anti-Jewish feelings were still pervasive). Like Fierstein, I’m not a huge fan of the movie.
Over the years, I’ve seen a wide range of performances, though. (The one I wish I’d seen was former Statesman editor Jeff Salamon’s middle school Tevye. Picture it.) This one belongs among the most memorable, precisely because of what Fierstein embellishes.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment Categories: Arts
Comments
Austinites love to be heard, and we're giving you a bullhorn. We just ask that you keep things civil. Leave out the personal attacks. Do not use profanity, ethnic or racial slurs, or take shots at anyone's sexual orientation or religion. If you can't be nice, we reserve the right to remove your material and ban users who violate our Visitor's agreement. Click here to report comment abuse.
By ww
March 4, 2010 2:57 PM | Link to this
Well, I'm relieved to see your review. I'm seeing the show tonight and, frankly, didn't know what to make of the casting of Harvey Fierstein. I'm open to liking him in the role, but had looked forward to seeing Topol. Unlike you and Mr. Fierstein, I LOVE the movie. It's the only experience of "Fiddler" that I have. I also think it's one of the better musical films of the 1970s. Norman Jewison did a great job with it.
By James Bingham
March 4, 2010 2:28 PM | Link to this
Going to see it tonight? Do you know long it is? Wondering how it compares to the film.