Tacoma Little Theatre’s “Fiddler on the Roof”

Originally published on social media on December 10th, 2024

I’m glad I got to the theatre early — not only did I get to share in joyful conversations with fellow audience members, but I got to watch as seats gradually got filled in. A sold out show audience is truly beautiful to witness. This performance deserves sold out shows, it was breathtaking.

As soon as Tevye walked out on the stage and began “Tradition”, I had goosebumps…the goosebumps just kept coming to me throughout this number and others. Tacoma Little Theatre has a large cast for this show and hearing all the different parts sung together was breathtaking. Equally impressive was the choreography and how well it was executed — I am thinking especially of the bottle dance scene during the wedding.

Fiddler on the Roof is a show that means a lot to my family and I, and one of our “traditions” is singing along to “tradition” and “if I were a rich man.” These songs were delightful, but the songs that became new favorites for me were “To Life” and “Anatevka.” I never realized how catchy these tunes are! My two favorite songs performed were “Sabbath Prayer” and “Tevye’s Dream”.

The staging for “Sabbath Prayer” was so intimate and lovely. The lights were dimmed to allow candlelight to shine, the tables were set, and the rotating stage allowed for different households to be shown along with the main one. It was a true way to show community and unity.

To tell you the truth, I always fast forward “Tevye’s Dream” when I watch it on T.V. because it tends to go on for a long time. With no fast forward option at the theatre, I finally gave myself the opportunity to observe the humor of the scene, and I loved it! Tacoma Little Theatre brought out unique effects for this scene too that was captivating and delightfully spooky. I enjoyed every minute of it.

The directors note reminded me how why we need musicals like Fiddler on the Roof: it’s about respect for religion and tradition, while also not being afraid of positive change, progress, and diversity. Many communities around the world are still being “othered” today, and violence is rampant. We need to embrace and help EACH OTHER.
Otherwise our lives will be as shaky as…a fiddler on the roof.