La Comedia Dinner Theatre in Springboro is currently staging “Fiddler on the Roof” through May 1. This musical is loved the world over for its humor, warmth, and honesty and features classic songs including “Sunrise, Sunset,” “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Matchmaker.”
Set in 1905 Imperial Russia, the story centers on Tevye, the father of five daughters, and his attempts to maintain his Jewish religious and cultural traditions as outside influences encroach upon the family’s lives.
A revival of the show hit the boards of Broadway last December. The original 1964 production starred Zero Mostel (who won a Tony for Best Actor in a Musical) and was directed by Jerome Robbins. That show ran for a record-setting 3,242 performances. The production also won the Tony for Best Musical along with Best Composer and Best Lyricist, Best Costume Design, Best Choreography, Best Direction, Best Producer and Best Author of a Musical.
Originating in the 17th century, the phrase, “The show must go on,” means that regardless of what happens, the show that has been planned has to be staged for the waiting patrons.
On March 10, a week into the La Comedia run, Henry Cepluch, who was making his La Comedia debut as Tevye, injured his leg and was unable to perform. His understudy, Robert Weidle, who had been portraying Lazar Wolf, the butcher, went on as Tevye at that Friday night’s performance.
Weidle had previously appeared on the La Comedia stage as Old Deuteronomy in the 2004 production of “Cats.” The Dayton Daily News named him Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for the role.
Stage productions are one of the best entertainment options in the Miami Valley and it is always fun sitting in the audience when you know someone in the show.
I have known Weidle since the 1990s. He has been performing since the age of 10 when he was cast as Kurt Von Trapp in the “Sound of Music,” has appeared in more than 80 plays and musicals and has directed 30 productions in the Cincinnati area. Robert did a super job.
Rachael Fry, of Morrow, makes a very convincing profile perched on the roof playing the opening sounds of the show on her violin, and dances through many scenes helping segue scene changes. The period costumes and props take you back to a simpler time filled with traditions.
Leanne Acero, of New York City, returns to the La Comedia stage as Golde; Chris Kramer, a familiar face at La Comedia, portrays the rabbi, and Denise Cox is Yente. Tevye’s daughters include Ellen Jenders (Tzeitel), Kara Leman (Hodel) and Shayna Schmidt (Chava), all making their debuts on the Ohio stage. Another veteran actor, Charlie Goetz, portrays the constable, a role he has filled several times before on this stage. At the recent performance, Chris Beiser, director and choreographer, stepped in and portrayed Lazar Wolf.
La Comedia has done six productions of the show since 1975, and almost every theater group in Ohio has produced the show at some time in its history. Wikipedia says about 500 amateur productions are done each year.
Sock & Buskin Players in Sidney first produced “Fiddler” in March 1980 at Bridgeview Middle School and mounted a production again in June 1988, outside at the old Children’s Home. Troy Civic Theatre did the show in 1978.
Prior to the opening curtain, La Comedia ticket-holders are treated to a delicious buffet dinner which includes Golde’s fried chicken, Tevye’s turkey and dressing, Fruma Sara’s baked cod, Yente’s red potatoes, Shaindel’s wild rice, La Comedia’s signature salad, sweet potato casserole and more, topped off by an old-fashioned apple crisp dessert.
Call 800-677-9505 for reservations or visit www.lacomedia.com for more information.
