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Milton Musical Society Regent Centre Christchurch March 2004 
THE success of this show rests largely on the actor playing Tevye, the Russian milkman much given to chatty conversations with God, as he is rarely off the stage.And Max White is well-nigh perfect in the role, bringing out his character’s underlying softness beneath the bluster with great singing and acting, a beautifully modulated (occasionally perhaps just a little too cultured) speaking voice and an appealing twinkle in his eyes. He is well matched in characterisation by Christine Eastwood as his wife, Golde, and the two of them set a high standard for others to follow. Marie Coltman, Susy Senior, Cora Hardy, Laura Antram and Julia Antram are also hugely likeable as the  daughters of the family, and there is a lovely performance too from Vivienne Lucas as Yente, the Matchmaker. Other roles are, in the main, also well played and the chorus is lively and animated.Margaret Coltman’s production scores highly on humour - the Dream scene is particularly effective, with superb cameos from Margaret Trickett (Grandma Tzeitel) and Jill Nuthall (Fruma-Sarah) - but the pathos is also well brought out. This created a balanced and enjoyable show, slightly marred only by the fact that I could see straight into the wings from my seat. Linda Kirkman Courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo The New Milton Advertiser also reviewed the Show: Superb performances from the cast of around 40, stunning stage design and authentic costumes really elevated the Milton Musical Society's amateur production of Fiddler on the Roof into a league of its own. To director Margaret Coltman's credit it seemed a pity that the cumulation of a year's work was restricted to only four performances. 
The musical, set in Russia, explores life within the small Jewish village of Anatevka at the outset of the 20th century. It examines the relationships between Tevye, a poor milkman and his five daughters, as he tries to maintain tradition in an increasingly. changeable political climate.There was a strong performance from Max White as Tevye, a proud, hardworking man, who values tradition and hopes to secure suitable husbands, for his five beautiful daughters. The first musical number "Tradition" sets the scene of life in the tiny village as its inhabitants try, with growing urgency, to distance themselves from the changing world. But as the action progresses it becomes obvious that Tevye will be forced to choose between his beloved daughters' happiness and the values he holds so dear. 
Golde (Christine Eastwood) Tevye's wife, has high hopes for the union of their eldest daughter Tzeitel and gratefully accepts the help of Yente (Vivienne Lucas), the village matchmaker. But Tzeitel, played by Marie Coltman who did her best to cope with the disparity between her age and that of the character she was playing, has other ideas for the future.Tevye arranges for Tzeitel to marry Lazar Wolf, the local butcher. who is fairly well off and over twice her age. But after the union is agreed. Motel, a poor tailor (Stephen Adams) approaches Tevye to ask if he can marry her. At first the milkman disagrees but after realising that the beautiful Tzeitel is deeply in love with Motel. he gives his blessing thus dispensing with tradition. When Tevye later invents a dream to convince his wife that their first daughter should wed the poor tailor instead of the wealthy butcher. it becomes clear exactly who rules the roost, The inner turmoil that Tevve and the small community face. bubbles just below the surface as the Russian police make increasingly frequent and destructive visits. 
Tevye is again forced to question his belief in tradition when his second daughter Hodel (Susy Senior) falls in love with Perchik (Simon Dade), a university student, and declares that she will marry hirn (unheard of at the time when all marriages were arranged by matchmakers. Despite his misgivings. Tevye relents and gives his blessing to the union, and when Perchik is arrested for demonstrations in Kiev, the devoted Hodel leaves the Jewish community to join her fiance in prison in Siberia.Lastly his third daughter Chava (Cora Hardy) falls in love with a local Russian boy, Fyedka (Colin Pile). but when she tells her father, he is outraged and forbids them marrying. They do anyway and Tevye disowns his beloved daughter. But love for his wife and children prevails and although still wretched about the union. Tevve makes his peace with Chava bef6re the family leave for a new life in America. Tevye's youngest daughtersi Shprintze and Bielke (Laura and Julia Antram) also deserve a mention for their brilliant performances. The story examines a range of difficult issues. from poverty to persecution, and as his world crumbles around hirn. Tevye's love for his farnily triumphs over the beliefs lie held so dear. With well known numbers such as "If I were a rich man", "Matchmaker" and "Do you love me", the captivating musical kept me entertained throughout. Three days later my mind is still wandering back to the tiny Jewish village, testament to a touching and memorable production. R.W. Courtesy of the New Milton Advertiser Our thanks to Simon Dade for permission to reproduce his photographs. |
