Tradition remains strong in FLO’s Fiddler on the Roof!

Tevye (Joe Leavitt) delights with his rendition of “If I Were a Rich Man”.

Photo Credit: Tedd Kidd

On a sold-out opening night, Music Director Scott Brons and the whole company welcomed us with a confident “Prologue - Tradition!” This paired nicely with Ashley Strella’s choreography of the well-known show opener. Brons proves to be a seasoned MD who knows how to prepare his cast and orchestra. In fact, I would argue to say that you would be hard pressed to find a more richly voiced ensemble than this one anywhere else in Middle Tennessee. Franklin Light Opera never disappoints when it comes to sweeping vocals with a robust blend. The beautiful harmonies of “Sabbath Prayer” filled the room with such warmth that gave a surround sound effect due to the statically placed groupings of the praying families along the outskirts of the audience.

I have seen countless productions of Fiddler through the years and have directed a production of it myself, so when I say that Tara Jackson is the most standout Golde I have ever seen, I truly do mean it. She presented aspects of that character that I had never even considered before. Where others often play the role as consistently hardened and often annoyed, Jackson gave us a multilayered Golde who took us on an emotional journey. By the time Chava appeared after being shunned from the family, you could just feel the heartbreak of a mother who could no longer agree to it. Not to mention, her chemistry with Joe Leavitt’s Tevye was absolutely perfect. Their “Do You Love Me?” duet was such a sweet moment that had me beaming.

Tevye (Joe Leavitt) asks Golde (Tara Jackson) “Do You Love Me?”

Photo Credit: Tedd Kidd

Speaking of Tevye, no production of Fiddler is a success without a great one! Leavitt won over the audience with his genuine relatability as the father of five daughters struggling to find the balance between the traditions of the old and considering the needs of his family in a changing world. The highlight of his performance came in his flashback moments where he breaks the fourth wall. The strength of his voice matched his acting chops. I was not surprised to learn that this was not his first time playing the leading role.

Lazar Wolf (Brady Klosterman) celebrates his marriage arrangement amongst friends in the tavern in “To Life”.

Photo Credit: Tedd Kidd

This production had some wonderful comedic standouts. I adored Audrey Kidd’s Yente. She landed every punchline of the excentric matchmaker. Brady Klosterman’s Lazar Wolf was absolutely hilarious! The scene where Tevye thinks he is talking about selling him a milk cow rather than a marriage match had the audience roaring with laughter. Klosterman has gift of a comedic timing that connects with everyone. In fact, I’d love to see him take on the challenge of playing all the members of The D'Ysquith Family in The Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder someday.

Tzeitel (Chelsea Ranelle) enjoys her blissful wedding celebration.

Photo Credit: Tedd Kidd

I think this was the finest staging I have seen from Director John Schultz! All of the movement from scene to scene flowed very naturally. Other highlight performances included Chelsea Renelle’s Tzeitel paired with Anthony Ciarla’s Motel. I loved the youthful energy they bought to this couple who chose true love over traditional matchmaking. Ciarla’s “Miracles of Miracles” was exhilarating. Karen Dumont gave us a delightfully frightening Fruma-Sarah during the hilarious dream sequence. I was tickled by Howard Snyder’s Rabbi abruptly smashing the cymbals within that scene which Tevye eventually put a stop to with a pillowcase in between. Little elements like this made this production in particular feel fresh despite it being a well-known standard musical theatre show. I appreciated Josh Hunter’s Constable who was stern but showed us a more humane side to the character. I also must give tenor Vincent Davis a shoutout for delivering the powerful Russian solider solo during “To Life”.

The start of “The Dream” sequence with the Rabbi (Howard Snyder) and an appearance from Grandma Tzeitel (Lara Butler).

Photo Credit: Tedd Kidd

I hope that FLO will continue to take on other classic musicals like this in the future in addition to their standard operetta offerings. To find out more information, visit: Franklin Light Opera.