Fiddler on the Roof

Louisville, Ky. (WHAS11)- Fiddler on the Roof is a Tony award winning musical known as a timeless classic, and it's easy to see why. With widely recognized songs such as "Matchmaker" and "Tradition", even if you have never seen the show, there is some sense of familiarity when viewing this play at the Kentucky Center for the Arts.

Tuesday began the season for the Broadway Across Louisville series. The lobby was buzzing with people excited for the first performance of 2012. Even though I had never seen Fiddler on the Roof, I entered the theater with the same anticipation as the occupants of the plush red seats around me.

The stage has a forest backdrop that shows a small village in an impoverished area. The full orchestra is located right underneath the stage with the conductor lighting up the stage with sound. Lights up, and the show begins.

Fiddler on the Roof is a musical about traditions, and the changes a family goes through during the turn of the Russian revolution. This show is peppered with intricate dance numbers and high quality music, not to mention an array of humorous scenes. There is even a dream sequence where an eleven foot ghost sings and runs around the stage. With one person standing on the shoulders of another, the ghost comes off more ridiculous than scary. The sets are minimal, but full of detail. What's impressive about the sets are that they are moved and placed by the cast and not stage hands.

Some high points for the show include an incredible cast, humorous dialogue, and recognizable music. Even though I really enjoyed this play there were some aspects of my experience that were not so great. Some low points for the show include length. The show is about three hours and with an 8 p.m. start I left the theater around 11 p.m. I was also pretty distracted by the ushers constantly letting people in and out throughout the entire show.

The rating that I give this show is 4.5 out of 5 for the late ending, and distractions by the ushers.
This show is a must see for anyone who enjoys the warmth of family, spectacular musical numbers, and a story that will have you laughing all the way to the doors.