Fiddler on the Roof Jr.

A cast of 36 eight to eighteen-year-olds transport capacity audiences to the little Russian village of Anatevka, for this very charming shortened rendition of Fiddler on the Roof by Bel Canto Performing Arts.

Patrick O’Donoghue, as Tevye, anchors this young cast, with a gorgeous bass voice and a deep, heartfelt characterisation. He works beautifully with Mia Duplock, as Golde, who also sings beautifully. Although this pair is a real life couple, the fact that these teenagers are able to thoughtfully portray a couple in their forties, who are only just realising their love for each other, is very impressive.

‘The Daughters’ also give strong performances. Lucinda Marley is lovely as eldest Tzeitel, Sarah Ganon is sweet as Hodel and Chelsey Ward (very like her movie counterpart in looks and verve) charms as Chava. Good support also from their respective suitors Adrian Menner (Motel), Ryan Boultbee (Perchick) and Raynon Pascoe (Fyedka). The younger sisters, Shprintze and Bielke, were very nicely played by Cadence Smyth and Jemima Lee.

Sienna Freeman stepped into the role of Yente only days before opening, and belied her lack of rehearsal with a fully fleshed portrayal of the elderly matchmaker. Sean Cleaver won audience hearts in the titular role, a tiny fiddler with loads of personality.

Well realised performances in the supporting roles, including Liam Barr’s Lazar Wolf, Declan Marley’s Rabbi, Michael Phillips’ Mordcha, Rowan Marley’s Mendel, Toby Crestani’s Avram, Cameron Clear’s Constable, David Bell’s Sasha and Xavier Postma’s Mussel. The ensemble worked hard throughout, with the Bottle Dance (very cleverly executed) and Jordan Mears’ wedding solo especially memorable. Matilda Jerkins’ choreography was age appropriate and nicely performed throughout.

The stage design, by George Boyd, included a cottage which opened doll house style to reveal an interior, while being manoeuvrable enough to push off stage to accomodate the large cast. Projections by Blake Jenkins, set the scenes well, with great use of colour, with strong lighting choices by Don Allen and John Spurling also playing an important role

Youth Productions play a vital role in introducing our young performers and creatives to their craft, as well as drawing new audiences to our theatre. Strong, high quality productions, such as this one, are especially valuable to our community.

Kimberley Shaw