Beef & Boards plays audience like a …

Broadway and film classic Fiddler on the Roof makes its return to Indianapolis’ Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre after a 10-year hiatus. With a book by Joseph Stern, music by Jerry Bock, and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, this much-beloved musical is currently presented in its eighth edition on the B&B stage, directed by Eddie Curry.

Douglas E. Stark has taken the starring role of Tevye in all eight of the productions and it certainly shows that this is his “signature role.” He fits the part and the part fits him. His sincere portrayal leads a fully talented cast in a striking production. Stark is matched up with Judi Mann as wife Golde, along with Jennifer Preston, Isabella Agresta, and Sadie Cohen as daughters Tzeitel, Hodel and Chava, respectively. Lucy Featherston and Allie Stacy join the family as younger daughters Shprintze and Bielke.

Golde (Judi Mann) searches for the answer to Tevye’s (Douglas E. Stark) question in “Do You Love Me?” (Photo by Rob Slaven / IndyGhostLight.com)

As the center of the story, this group provides remarkably strong performances. Some highlight moments for me were Tevye and Golde’s lovely “Do You Love Me?”, the three oldest daughters’ energetic “Matchmaker”, the family’s beautiful “Sabbath Prayer”, and the full company in the rousing opening number, “Tradition.”

Of course, this show is filled with love stories and the older girls are partnered nicely with their beaus: Joey Boos as Tzeitel’s Motel, the tailor, Justin Tepper as Hodel’s Perchik, the student, and Will Leonard as Chava’s Fyedka, the Russian soldier. The conflicts these three duos provide are well-played – at times joyous, at times sorrowful, and all their musical numbers are especially well done.

A highlight for everyone in attendance is the noteworthy scene entitled The Dream. Tevye hopes to convince his wife that Motel is the best possible husband for their Tzeitel and his concocted version of a dream is played out on stage by the entire company with a remarkable set of costumes, lighting and portrayals. Christine Zavakos is featured as the scary Fruma-Sarah in what is truly a show-stopper.

Main supporting characters are offered by Mark Goetzinger as butcher Lazar Wolf, Bill Book as innkeeper Mordcha, Adrienne Reiswerg as chatty matchmaker Yente, and Scott Greenwell as the town’s elderly Rabbi.

The simple set design is by Michael Layton, with dynamic lighting by Ryan Koharchik and sound by Daniel Hesselbrock. Kathy Henry did the wonderful costume design, while Andrew Elliott provided the wigs. Musical director Terry Woods flawlessly leads the B&B orchestra through the score and Sally Scharbrough’s choreography is both solid and inventive. Finally – Chef Larry Stoops provides a delicious buffet for the occasion, with a fine array of tempting dishes.

Bottom line: This classic piece of musical theatre more than gets its due in B&B’s thoroughly enjoyable production. The even talent level here is notable – every scene, every musical number is compelling and well-done.

Fiddler on the Roof continues through Nov. 24. Show times and reservation availability can be viewed at BeefAndBoards.com or call the box office at (317) 872-9664. Due to the great demand for tickets for this show, two additional performances have recently been added: a matinee on Saturday, Nov. 9, and an evening performance on Wednesday, Nov. 20.

One last appreciation: Ten years ago, I was a part of the cast of Fiddler as The Constable. With Mark Goetzinger and Doug Stark, I was among the oldest cast members. Here, 10 years later, Mark and Doug are revisiting their roles while I take a seat and watch. I just want to pay tribute to these gentleman who are so very devoted to their craft and who still do remarkable jobs at it. Mazel tov, my friends.

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