''FIDDLER'' ON THE BLOG

Good day, all my Cineflotilla, I hope to be assaying the latest JAMES CAMERON'S opus, AVATAR, tomorrow and so for today, let's go to the theatre and discuss FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, starring HARVEY FIERSTEIN.

Now, you have to understand up front that FIDDLER and I, have a very rich tradition, (sorry, I couldn't resist), together. I have now seen, the musical three times and that includes Stratford's fabulous production with BRENT CARVER. I have played the role of TEVYE, myself twice - the second time I also directed - so, it is a property very near and dear to my heart. When I heard that it was coming to Toronto and it would be TOPOL'S farewell engagement as TEVYE, I was beside myself with excitement.

O.K. now we fast forward to a few weeks, before the production. The press announces that TOPOL, is injured and will not be playing TEVYE, in Toronto. You may ask, who did they get to replace him? I'll tell you - HARVEY FIERSTEIN, who played TEVYE on broadway.

So, how was HARVEY? We all know that he got fabulous reviews on broadway, however, much of a voice he does not have - it sort of sounds like he gargled with ground glass - that said, he was magnificent. He made the most of the voice he has and it has a great ensemble as well.

TIME FOR A DIGRESSION...

Why is it that whenever, I go to live theatre, there is one person in front of me, who does not laugh, cry or even genuflect once during the entire production, but looks back at me every time I do, with disgust, (sir, if you were to take the pickle out of your ass, you might enjoy the production and lighten up). As for me, the tears usually start at the beginning and abate around the time when ANATEVKA ends.

BUT I DIGRESS...

The entire production, was wonderful, and the director-choreographer, SAMMY DALLAS BAYES, recreated JEROME ROBBIN'S legendary, choreography, including those show-stopping bottle dancers. Those that should be singled out for praise are SUSAN CELLA, as GOLDE, TEVYE'S long-suffering wife. MARY STOUT, as YENTE, (you know, not every woman is a yente), DAVID BRUMMEL as LAZAR WOLF and ERIK LIBERMAN, as MOTEL.

We all know the plot of FIDDLER, (the story is self-explanatory, the music is delightful..). This was one of the most delightful productions I have ever seen and it was a real delight, from start to finish.

Until we meet again mon cherie...

T.T.F.N.