Review by Shelby Coleman
Cincinnati Opera’s production of Fiddler On The Roof runs this week. This musical theatre standard tells of Tevye, a Jewish milkman, as he navigates the challenges of tradition, social change, and family.
The Story of Fiddler
The story opens as the title character, the Fiddler, (Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s own Charles Morey), plays a sickeningly sweet tune from a rooftop. We are soon introduced to the story’s protagonist, Tevye (Max Hopp) who instantly breaks the fourth wall. Hopp’s character continues addressing the audience throughout the production, to the audience’s delight.
The production tells the story of generational struggles with keeping true to tradition in their small town of Anatevka during the pressures of life in eastern Europe. Act One introduces us to the hardships of life as a poor family in a traditional Jewish town. With very little to spare and five daughters, Tevye and his wife Golde (Victoria Livengood) work hard to provide the best life for their family. In a town like Anatevka, a young girl’s hope for a good life can come only from a solid match. “And such young people cannot choose for themselves.” Which leads us to the town busy body, otherwise known as the matchmaker, Yente (Janice Meyerson). Being in the good graces of Yente can make or break your family name in this town.
Matchmaking
Although tradition runs the town of Anatevka, Tevye breaks from the social norm in many aspects throughout this show. After Yente finds a “suitable” match for his eldest daughter, Tzeitel (Rachel Kobernick), in Lazar Wolf (Phil Fiorini) the widowed town butcher, Tevye goes back on his agreement and allows his daughter to marry for love. He further breaks the norm by taking in Perchik (Simon Barrad), a student from Kyiv, and employing him to teach his youngest two daughters, a radical act in itself. These few choices ignite a chain of events that lead the family further from the social traditions of their small Jewish town. This paired with the revolution happening throughout Russia provides conflict not only within Tevye’s family but throughout the town of Anatevka and Russia itself.
Fiddler has an Outstanding Ensemble
This star-studded cast immediately captivates audiences with its powerful rendition of Tradition. A hush rushes through the crowd with the force of the full cast vocals and sharp choreography. Audiences can be sure they are in for a great evening of traditional musical theatre with the influences of classical opera throughout. The very clear staging choices–matched with the impeccable set and faultless lighting choices–command the full attention of every occupant within Music Hall. A perfectly placed button light cue at the end of Tradition sends audiences into an uproarious applause that sets the tone for the entire evening.
Many Debuts
The cast didn’t just shine under the stage lights but jumps off the stage making personal connections with many audience members. Audiences could be seen swaying along to memorable songs such a If I Were a Rich Man, To Life and Sunrise, Sunset. This production features many debuts to the Cincinnati Opera (including local talent). Debuts were made by Max Hopp (Tevye), Charles Morey (The Fiddler), Victoria Livengood (Golde), Rachel Kobernick (Tzeitel), Rachel Blaustein (Hodel), Elli Maddock (Shprintze), Noa Jaffee (Bielke), Arnold Livingston Geis (Motel), Phil Fiorini (Lazar), Blake Gehring (Mordcha), Barry Mullholland (Rabbi), Will Selnick (Mendel), Jim Hopkins (Constable), Sarah Folsom (Fruma-Sarah), and Henry Benson (Fyedka). Also making Cincinnati debuts are Levi Hammer (Conductor), Andrew Boyce (Scenic Designer) and David Bullard (Sound Designer).
Fiddler On The Roof features the following local talent: Gina Cerimele-Mechley (Fight and Intimacy Director), Thomas Dreeze (Avram), Phil Fiorini (Lazar), Blake Gehring (Mordcha), James Geier (Wig and Makeup Designer), Jim Hopkins (Constable), Noa Jaffee (Bielke), Elli Maddock (Shprintze), Chad Phillips (Costume Designer), and Will Selnick (Mendel). There are other local supernumeraries. The display of such local talent brings family, friends and neighbors together to witness this incredible performance.
Solid Lead Performances
Max Hopp leads this incredible ensemble as Tevye. His balance between skilled quipping and shtetl nostalgia brought an incredible authenticity to this disarmingly complicated production. Hopp brings a sort of put-upon stoicism to the endearing forward role of Tevye. He tries to act the role of firm patriarch that tradition demands.
Another standout performance is found in the debut of Arnold Livingston Geis as Motel. His rendition of Miracle or Miracles nearly brought the audience to a mid-show standing ovation. Livingston Geis brings a touch of naïve optimism to the show that is needed to give the audience a light-hearted break from the heavy themes throughout the production.
The Three Sisters
The three main sisters Tzeitel played by Rachel Kobernick, Hodel played by Rachel Blaustein and Chava played by Jennifer Zetlan provide the heart of this production. It is through their determination for a better life and a choice in life that the entire town and soon nation begin to fight for that choice. Kobernick, Blaustein and Zetlan’s rendition of Matchmaker is full of hope and promise for a different tomorrow. We see this hope bleed across the stage into the two younger sisters Shprintze (Elli Maddock) and Bielke (Noa Jaffee) and further spills out into the audience with audible loving giggles and smiles on every face.
Fiddler’s Creative Leadership
The set of this production brings an almost modern feel to the Shtetl that causes the audience to find similarities between the problems the town in facing and modern times. The scenic design of Andrew Boyce is simple yet effective, allowing for the fantastic lights (Thomas C. Hase) to bleed through in every crack and crevice. This melding of the two artforms immerses audiences in the world of Tevye and Anatevka.
Flawless Music, Dancing and Staging
This show features an opera staple, a dance corp. This crew of dance heavy ensemble members offers a fresh addition to the typical musical you would expect to see with full company dance numbers. Although each actor has movement, you are able to see the clear roles of each member and follow each cog in this well-oiled company. The choreography of Michael Pappalarado features expected numbers such as the well known “bottle dance” but also brings staccato movements through the play that slowly shift to a more flowing style. This mirrors the thoughts and actions of the town as they start to realize that breaking from tradition might not be all that bad. Paired with the flawless staging choices of Stage Director Crystal Manich and the remarkable anticipation provided by Conductor Levi Hammer, gives audiences a faultless production.
Overall
Fiddler On The Roof provides an amazing summer escape. Walk through the doors of Music Hall and you are in one glamorous world. Then the curtain opens and you enter the world of Anatevka. A world where family runs deep and love conquers all. Audiences can expect to laugh, smile, cry and most importantly hope throughout their evening with Cincinnati Opera.
With Fiddler On The Roof, Cincinnati Opera accomplishes the perfect crossover–or match–for theatre and opera lovers alike. Featuring an outstanding ensemble with many local performance and production members, this is a local wonder you can’t afford to miss!
Tickets to Fiddler On The Roof
Fiddler On The Roof runs through July 27, 2025 at Music Hall, 1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH, 45202. Purchase tickets at the box office, online at Fiddler On The Roof | Cincinnati Opera, or by calling (513) 241-2742.
Shelby Coleman has a background in theatre education and dance. SHe has also worked to make theatre and theatre ed accessible to all. Past work: Director of Artistic and Educational Programs with the Surry Arts Council in North Carolina, Lexington Children’s Theatre, Shooting Stars YouTheatre, Missoula Children’s Theatre, StageRight MTC Inc, Morehead State University, Surry Community College, Ryle High School, Surry County Schools, Millennium Charter Academy, Cincinnati Public Schools, Boone County Public Libraries, Kenton County Public Libraries, Grant County Public Libraries and now The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati.
