Review of 'Fiddler on the Roof' at Oxford High School

Pictured: Members of the cast of ‘Fiddler’ at OHS (from left) Noah Lisewski, Courtney Wallen, Tyler Panek, Maggie Palys, Chloe Chappa, Sanya Kayfus, Nathan Riddle and John Mainiero

Photos 2 and 3 of cast members by Meg Speaker

The Oxford High School Wolverine Players are presenting their beautiful version of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ this weekend on their high school stage. The scenery of lacy trees fill a good portion of that stage and spill over the edge of stage left. The director Darren Lougee, who was assisted by Cassandra Veltri, notes that it was an “amazing experience bringing the little village of Anatevka to life with the students and parents of Oxford.” He goes on to thank those parents for “sharing your talented children and schlepping them to and from school” for rehearsals.

Fiddler is the graceful story of Tevye, a poor milkman and his five daughters. As many know, this winner of 9 TONY Awards when it debuted in 1964 was the brainchild of Broadway legends Jerome Robbins, Harold Prince, songwriters Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, and bookwriter Joseph Stein. Touching audiences worldwide with its humor, warmth and honesty, this universal show is a staple of the musical theatre canon.

The text is rich in historical and ethnic detail and with the help of the excellent costumes by the uber talented Rebecca Seibert (who was assisted by five volunteers,) this production glowed. From the Fiddler herself (Anne Dennen) dancing on Pointe, to the fine choreography by Emily Seibert, everything worked together well to tell this classic tale. The major production numbers in the first act were particularly well-staged by this director and the great staging of Tevye’s Dream, which happens to be one of my favorite scenes, was credited to the Musical Theatre Workshop.

The student actors all did a fine job with their roles. The People of Anatevka (ensemble) sang together well with the orchestra seated in the back corner of stage right presumably under the direction of Mr. Lougee who doubled as Music Director. Kudos to the stage crew on their quiet work.

Senior Chloe Chappa was the lovely first daughter Tzeitel and sang well. She will pursue theater as a major when she heads to college in the fall. Nathan Riddle played her betrothed, Motel the bespectacled tailor. Senior Mitchell Wright had the necessary charm for the role of Perchik the revolutionary. The daughter that leaves home to be with him was played beautifully by Sanya Kayfus; this young lady had an outstanding singing voice and made the most of her solo in “Far from the Home I Love.”

Marianna Campbell was a funny Yente with a rose decorated black head scarf. Courtney Wallen made a lovely Chava and Stephen Rinaldi played the Russian she falls in love with. Dayja Gentile was a force of nature in the role of the long-dead Fruma-Sarah. Junior Dean Zeichner had a strong voice and stage presence as Lazar Wolf. Senior Maggie Palys took on the role of Tevye’s wife Golde and was a strong actress. Sophomore Connor Speaker was a riot in the role of the village’s beloved and funny rabbi.

In the lead role of Tevye, senior Tyler Panek brought such maturity to the role that if you were seated in the back of the auditorium, you might forget that he is still in high school. This young man has such a strong voice that I never tire of hearing him perform. His “If I Were a Rich Man” delighted the audience and his sharp comic timing added to his performance. Mr. Panek, who also attends the Educational Center for the Arts (ECA,) has won a Halo Awards for his role as J.B. Biggley in ‘How to Succeed’ and appeared as the king in last year’s ‘Pippin.’

Remaining performance is Sunday, March 22nd at 7:00 pm. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.showtix4u.com. $8.00 Students/Seniors and $10.00 General Admission.