FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Hale Center Theater Orem, through Nov. 29, 226-8600. Running time: two hours, 45 minutes (one intermission).
OREM — How do you review "Fiddler on the Roof," a show whose storyline has won the hearts of millions either from the stage, or the epic motion picture? You say it's wonderful, entertaining and thought-provoking. It will make you laugh and cry in the same breath. The story is poignant and every song memorable.
So, the folks at Hale Center Theater in Orem have another hit on their hands. Not only because the show is what it is, but because director Sid Riggs knows how to cast and mold this group of characters.
Kudos go out immediately to Merrill Dodge, who single-handedly plays Tevye, the hub character on a wheel filled with excellent performers. Dodge's is the only role that is not double-cast, which is a good thing. You wouldn't want to miss his performance. His conversations with God and his onstage personality are priceless.
The talents of the other leads in the show are also a plus. From the Monday-Wednesday-Friday cast, Dian Dabczynski as Golde, Celeste Kysa Barrand as Tzeitel, Breanne Folkman as Hodel, Brittni Bills as Chava and Karen Baird as Yente. Baird is particularly adept in her Yente persona and great fun to watch. Dabczynski gives a wonderful performance as Golde, who definitely understands her role as matriarch.
Also in this cast were Oliver Gaag as Motel, Andrew Thorne as Perchik, David Smith as Fyedka and Joel A. Osborne as Lazar Wolf. The supporting cast was equally as strong. And from the e-mails unbiasedly sent to me, rumor has it the alternate cast is just as talented.
There are some special effects you won't want to miss in the show — my favorite being the dream scene when Tevye is trying to convince Golde they made a wrong marriage match for Tzeitel. It is hilarious.
Other notable scenes include Teyve, Lazar Wolfe and the other male villagers in their rendition of "To Life," and the wedding scene with the familiar "Sunrise, Sunset" number.
As in most shows, things aren't always perfect, and it would behoove the cast to watch out for Tevye when he changes to his bedclothes. (Most men don't know they should check to see if their skirt is caught in their tights. It was a distraction for the audience.)
It's a wonder this production comes off as well as it does with the size of the stage area the cast has to work with. While the opening number "Tradition" offered a powerful beginning to the play, it also found a number of dancers bobbing into one another and giving the show the feel of being "too full on the dance floor."
There were other small things, too, but nothing was so big or bad as to ruin this wonderfully portrayed adaptation of "Fiddler on the Roof."
Yarmulkes and hats off to Hale Center Theater Orem and to "Fiddler on the Roof."
E-mail: pugmire@desnews.com