“Tradition.”
“If I Were a Rich Man.”
“Sunrise, Sunset.”
The legendary songs and characters of “Fiddler on the Roof” return to Kansas City in a brand new production by Spinning Tree Theatre. Directed by Michael Grayman, with choreography by Andy Parkhurst and featuring a cast of 23 actors, dancers and singers, the musical will be performed Wednesdays through Sundays from April 23 to May 10 at the Just Off Broadway Theatre. This is Spinning Tree’s final show of its fourth season, and celebrating the 50th anniversary of a classic seemed like an appropriate way to close the curtain on 2015.
“It was time,” Grayman said. “It was time for Kansas City to have an all local professional production of ‘Fiddler.’ {mprestriction ids="1,3"}It’s such a great show to share with an audience. Whether it’s been a long time since you have seen ‘Fiddler’ or not, it’s always enjoyable to watch.”
Spinning Tree Theatre was co-founded by Grayman and Parkhurst, the fulfillment of a shared dream of running a professional theater company. They wanted to bring theater that they were passionate about to an audience, with both new shows and also by putting their own spin on things.
“Spinning Tree takes a piece and gets to the root of it,” Grayman said. “We break it down to present just the core story and themes. We want audiences to really connect with the production.”
One way Spinning Tree is getting to the core of the show, according to Grayman, is by using a four-piece klezmer band instead of a full orchestra. Klezmer music is the traditional instrumental music of the Jewish people of Eastern Europe, and is performed at weddings and other celebrations such as the dedication or a Torah scroll or synagogue. This Klezmer quartet features an accordion, guitar/mandolin, clarinet and violin. The klezmer band members are incorporated into the show as characters themselves.
The show stars Kansas City favorites Gary Neal Johnson at Tevye and Julie Shaw as Golde. Parkhurst is originally from Kansas City and has connection with a wide range of local artist, including Ruth Baum Bigus.
“I am so honored to be a part of Spinning Tree Theatre’s production of ‘Fiddler,’” said Bigus, who plays Shaindel in the production. “I have been performing since high school until now having done more than 30 musicals. ‘Fiddler’ has always been one of my favorite shows and to finally get the opportunity to be in it is so exciting.”
Bigus also believes that Spinning Tree is presenting a show that works on a personal level.
“To have the opportunity to work with Michael (Grayman) and Andy (Parkhurst) is a joy,” she said. “They are both incredibly talented people who motivate their cast to reach to the very highest performance level. This production of ‘Fiddler’ is intimate and warm, and I think Kansas City audiences will embrace this personal take on this timeless story of family and what that means.”
With music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, book by Joseph Stein and based on stories by Sholem Aleichem, “Fiddler on the Roof” won nine Tony Awards in 1965, including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book, and was the first Broadway musical to surpass 3,000 performances.
“I think it is one of the best books ever,” Grayman said. “The music is timeless and very rich in history and meaning.”
Grayman’s own journey with Judaism has affected his view of the play. Sharing some of his family history, Grayman writes in his director’s notes on the show, “My great aunt Mimi passed away this past summer. It was difficult for me as we were very close; however, she left behind a gift for our family and friends to treasure: her autobiography. The story of the Jewish people of Anatevka is my history. Mimi’s father, my great-grandpa Joe, fled Russia in 1908 (at age 19) after he was drafted to fight for a country that was persecuting his people: The Jewish people.”
Grayman said his great-grandfather was like the character of Perchik in the play, a young student that fought for his people and for revolution.
“He left a legacy of standing up against oppression,” he said. “Our family is very proud.”
“Fiddler on the Roof” has proven to be a show that touches many.
“Because I am Jewish, the show has extra special meaning for me — it is our part of our heritage,” Bigus said. “It’s a joy to share that. I remember ‘Sunrise, Sunset’ being sung at my own wedding 30 years ago. To be on stage and sing those very words brings wonderful memories. It’s an honor to share the stage with such an incredibly talented cast and production team.”
Other Jewish members of the production include the production assistant Daria LaGrand and Lyndsey Agron, who plays Rivka.
“The Jewish people have always been a small community within a larger one,” Grayman said. “As such we have always been vulnerable to being relocated. The show speaks about that among so many more issues. We are very excited to perform it. It’s going to be great.”
The Spinning Tree Theatre’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof” begins tonight (April 23) with a preview performance at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday night shows start at 8 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. The Just Off Broadway Theatre, located at 3051 Penn Valley Drive, Kansas City, MO, hosts the Spinning Tree performances.
Tickets are available by calling Spinning Tree Theatre at 816-569-5277 or at www.spinningtreetheatre.com. Tickets are $30 to $42.50, and seating is limited.{/mprestriction}