Experience the Magic of a Beloved Musical in Delaware, Ohio’s Willis Theatre
Delaware, Ohio – As someone who has never had the opportunity to witness a production of “Fiddler On The Roof” on stage, I was eagerly awaiting to sit in on the dress rehearsal of Arena Fair Theatre on Wednesday, and I was not disappointed. If they preform like they rehearsed, then the opening night on Friday promises to be the talk of the town.
“Fiddler on the Roof” is a beloved Broadway musical that explores the life of Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman, and his struggles to maintain his religious and cultural traditions in the face of changing times. Set in the early 20th century in the Russian village of Anatevka, the musical follows Tevye’s journey as he navigates the challenges posed by his strong-willed daughters and the growing anti-Semitic sentiment in his community. The show, with book by Joseph Stein, music by Jerry Bock, and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, beautifully captures the themes of love, family, tradition, and resilience, making it a timeless and poignant theatrical experience as brought to life by Delaware’s Arena Fair Theatre.
With the catchy beautiful music lingering in my memory from when I was first exposed to “Fiddler On The Roof” by Santa Clara Vanguard Drum & Bugle Corps on field rendition in 1992 Drum Corps International summer tour, I was thrilled to finally experience some of the magic firsthand. The Willis Theatre, located at 74 W. William St., is set to host this extraordinary event, inviting audiences to join the cast as they take you on a trip to the Russian town of Anatevka. This Arena Fair Theatre production is going to help me cross a to do item off my bucket list, to see this show live.
One of the aspects that stood out during the dress rehearsal was the evident preparedness of all actors and crew members. Each performer embodied their character with dedication and skill, bringing a sense of authenticity to the stage like they have been doing this for years. I truly enjoyed the opener of “Tradition.” “Tradition” serves as a lively and iconic introduction to the musical, setting the stage for the central theme of the show: the importance of tradition and the challenges faced when those traditions clash with a changing world. And, for a brief moment I was in Madison, Wi August of 1992 experiencing the music live again. It literally gave me goose pimples as I sat here in Delaware ensconced in the opener.
The attention to detail in their performance with the voicing, mannerisms, and stage acuity, as they opened the show was remarkable. From the moment the rehearsal started they were showcasing the hard work and dedication they had put into their roles. It is clear that the cast had spent significant time honing their craft and developing a deep understanding of their characters. It set the tone for the entire experience.
While there were a few last-minute adjustments made prior to the rehearsal, they were minor and did not detract from the overall quality to what we should see Friday night. These adjustments from to how they hold their hands, to a hearty “belly laugh” demonstrated the cast and crew’s commitment to fine-tuning every aspect of the production, ensuring a polished final result. It was impressive to witness the flexibility and adaptability of these thespians as they seamlessly incorporated these changes, enhancing the overall flow of the show.
After the dress rehearsal, I was able to ask Director Greg Patterson a few questions. One thing I noticed, Patterson is a true connoisseur of musical as he shared his personal connection to “Fiddler On The Roof.” “During my youth, ‘Fiddler On The Roof’ was a highly popular Broadway sensation,” Patterson recalled. “I can vividly remember Zero Mostel’s portrayal of Tevye and his unforgettable renditions of the show’s beloved hits on The Ed Sullivan Show. In 1972, I had the privilege of being involved in my first production of ‘Fiddler On The Roof’ in Neenah, Wisconsin, as part of a summer stock show. Since then, my involvement with this show has grown, and this marks my fifth time either performing in it or directing it.”
One thing Patterson noted of the Arena Fair Theatre actors is the group is deeply rooted in family values and spirituality, many of the same themes reflected in the musical. Patterson reveals, “For the past three or four years, I have been longing to bring ‘Fiddler On The Roof’ to the stage, but the touring show rights were unavailable. This production is a true family-oriented show that resonates with both the audience and the actors. The show’s iconic songs, such as ‘If I Were A Rich Man’ and ‘Sunrise Sunset,’ have become timeless tunes that everyone finds themselves humming.” And believe you me, humming along I was during the rehearsal.
Patterson believes that “Fiddler On The Roof” provides a platform for his actors to expand their talents. With an outstanding cast, he expresses his confidence in their ability to deliver exceptional performances. Patterson went on to say “this is the perfect show for my cast. My Tevye, Mark Price, is a very good actor. He handles pathos and drama well but he has the twinkle in his eye and comedy timing to delight the audience. My Golde, Cat Hodge (Director of Arena Fair Theatre production of “A Mid Summer’s Night Dream“), is most knowledgeable on acting portrayal and brings great depth to the role.” As I sat in the auditorium Wednesday night, I could not help but to agree.
Patterson continues to delve in to actor development with the comic talents of Bibianne and Doug Galuzny which are taken to new heights, adding an extra element of entertainment. As you watch to 2 young men on stage, you can feel the life long chemistry exude through their performance which brought on many chuckles.
Being rather proud of the local acting pool, Patterson says Arena Fair Theatre highlights the collective talents of nearly 60 Delaware County residents, who he attributes to being able to “rise to the challenges of creating dazzling costumes, achieving vocal excellence, and delivering impressive staging within the confines of the classic yet limited performance venue of the Willis Theatre.” Which from where I sat, it was clearly evident that the cast was putting on a show to be proud of.
The production’s choreography is under the direction of Jessika Wickenheiser, director of the Dance Academy at the Delaware Arts Castle, challenges the local cast o raise the performance to higher levels. Patterson gushed over Wickenheiser’s saying her “expertise bringing a fresh perspective and injecting new life into the production. The Corps de Ballet, led by Wickenheiser, graces the stage with breathtaking moves never before seen in Delaware. Their exquisite execution mesmerizes audiences, leaving them in awe.”
In preparing for this weekends run, we asked Patterson about memorable moments. He was quick to share that during a recent rehearsal, one of these moments unfolded, bringing laughter to the entire cast and crew. “As the actors awaited a costume change for Tevye, Golde, portrayed by Cat Hodge, playfully discovered a rubber horse head hidden beneath the bed. With impeccable comedic timing, she quipped, ‘I made him an offer that he can’t refuse,'” an iconic scene from the movie ‘The Godfather.’ “Although Cat Hodge gave the funny line it sounds unmistakably like Mark Price’s sense of humor. leaving no doubt that he is an integral part of the show’s camaraderie.”
In a summer chock full of events and activities vying for time, Patterson acknowledges the competition for audiences’ attention. However, he guarantees that attending one of this weekends performances will be a truly rewarding experience for families with members of all ages. The power of a live stage performance, coupled with the heartfelt story and the talented cast of “Fiddler On The Roof,” will be something you will not regret being part of.
Performances are scheduled for Friday July 14, 2023 and Saturday July 15, 2023 evenings at 7 pm, with matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm. Join Arena Fair Theatre at the Willis Theatre in Delaware, Ohio, for a distinctive expedition to Anatevka by way of the live performance of this tale. Visit https://arenafair.square.site/ to purchase your tickets today and embark on what promises to be a magical theatrical experience.
As we get closer to the Friday night opening, I am filled with anticipation and excitement for a bigger taste of the dress rehearsal performance. It is evident that the cast and crew have poured their hearts and souls into this production, and their passion will shine through in every moment. I have no doubt that their efforts will result in a show that will leave a lasting impact on all who have the pleasure of attending, including myself.
I hope to see you there!
