Studio Tenn Hits the Right Note with “Fiddler on the Roof”

This past weekend, Studio Tenn kicked off their fifth season and two celebrations were in order: calling Jamison Hall at The Factory in Franklin their new home and creating a beautiful production of the timeless classic “Fiddler on the Roof.”

The musical-comedy, which turns 50 this year as it first opened on Broadway in 1964, is the story of Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman with five daughters and a sharp-tongued wife Golde, set in the small village of Anatevka in 1905 czarist Russia. Based on the book by Joseph Stein, music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, Tevye struggles with the cultural shifts and new ideas taking shape while old traditions begin to fade out. About how true love is starting to overthrow the customs of arranged marriages and how Tevye copes with his strong-willed three daughters.

It’s safe to say that “Fiddler” looks great for turning 50. The vision by director/designer Matt Logan and executive producer Jake Speck – from costumes to the intimate set design – is awe-inspiring and with such a wonderful and entertaining cast, “Fiddler” nails it.

Headlined by Peter Kevoian (credits include Monsieur Reyerin the original Broadway cast of “The Phantom of the Opera”) who is charming, heartfelt and fantastic as Tevye. He gracefully balances the fine line of comedic observations, “If I Were a Rich Man,” and heartache, with a powerful presence as a man who visibly struggles to hold on to his family and religious traditions. The passion he has for this role is incredible.

Nan Gurley, a Studio Tenn veteran, plays Tevye’s wife Golde and seizes the character and will not let go. Her chemistry with Kevoian is delightful and a pleasure to watch, especially in “Sunrise, Sunset,” and later on in “Do You Love Me?”

“Fiddler on the Roof” also enjoys the company of several Belmont students. Mia Rose Lynne (Tzeitel), Lissa De Guzman (Hodel) and Annabelle Fox (Chava) are all divine, not to mention their vocals together are lovely, showcased in “Matchmaker, Matchmaker.”

The rest of the talented cast includes Jefferson Carson (Motel), Caleb Marshall (Perchik), Jordan Wright (Fyedka), Richard Daniel (Lazar), Janette Bruce (the ghost of Fruma Sara), Douglas Waterbury-Tieman (the Fiddler) and Kim Bretton (Yente and Grandma Tzeitel). Special recognition to the choreography, with direction by Emily Tello Speck and ensemble credits to Matt Birdsong, Neal Buckley, Katie Davis, Casey Hebbel, Claire Kapustka, Alex Rader, David Shamburger and Matthew Taylor.

Simply a must-see for the entire family, “Fiddler on the Roof” is a show not to miss out on.

What: Studio Tenn presents “Fiddler on the Roof”

When: Through Sept. 21. Performances at 7 pm Thursdays-Fridays; 2 and 7 pm Saturdays; 2 pm Sundays.

Where: Jamison Hall, The Factory at Franklin, 230 Franklin Road

Tickets: $42.75-$57.50

Contact: studiotenn.com or 1-888-664-6362

Our own Donna Vissman got a first-hand sneak-peak last week and talked to Nan Gurley, Jake Speck and Lissa De Guzman about the production. You can watch our video HERE.