REFLECTIONS

TRADITION! TRADITION! TRADITION!

It’s a “lead pipe cinch” that you will be running and skipping to the tantalizing numbers in the Albert Lea Community Theatre’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof,” complete with a 17-piece orchestra.

This was my third opportunity to see this professionally done production presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). Judy and I saw previous productions at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre in Chanhassen and on the movie screen. 

I still have the vinyl record of the movie.

In Act I, listen to “Tradition,” “Matchmaker,” “If I were a Rich Man,” “The Dream,” “Sunrise, Sunset”, and “Wedding Dance.”

In Act II, be swept away by “Now I Have Everything,” “Tevye’s Rebuttal,” “Do You Love Me?”, “The Rumor,” “Far from the Home,” “Chava Sequence”, and “Anatevka.”

Forty-four actors and actresses in the cast at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center live the lives centering around five young women.

I came close to landing a role in the first play produced by the Albert Lea Community Theatre. My roommate Dan Gerenz and I did not make the cut, however. Two years later, “Fiddler” was performed at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center.

The production is based on Sholem stories by special permission of Arnold Perl Bock, with lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. Gordy Handeland was director.

Scene stealers

In any production, there is an actor/actress who steals the show.

In this one, the scene stealer was Jason Howland, who played the role of Tevye, the dairyman. Sue Wiersmsa played the role of Golde, Tevye’s wife.

Jason lives in Albert Lea.

Director Handeland shared his notes on the play.

“The wonderful story and beautiful music are favorites for many. Though fictional, it gives us a glimpse of Jewish peasants’ lives in Russia in 1905 with their traditions, customs and their plight as they have to leave their homes in Anatevka. The story probably would have taken place in what is now the Ukraine.”

The Tony Award-winning musical came out in 1964, and the movie came out in 1971.

Handeland says he is thrilled to have Diane Heaney as music director. Karen Hendrickson is stage manager, Rosalie Truax coordinates costuming, and Bridgit Halvorson returns as choreographer.

Rabbi Paul Warschauer attended one rehearsal and coached the actors through religious scenes.

Sue Wiersma was in “Fiddler” 45 years ago. She played Hodel in 1978 and was Golde in this production.

Howland has an exceptionally strong voice brought forward by some outstanding, powerful musical sound equipment. If you have a chance to see the play in person somewhere, travel the distance to experience a sensation that will stay with you forever.