★★★☆

After more than a decade, Fiddler On The Roof has returned to Sydney starring the legendary Anthony Warlow.

Admittedly, I was apprehensive about director Roger Hodgman’s casting choice for Tevye. Despite being a theatre favourite, particularly in The Phantom Of The Opera, it was hard see Warlow as a Russian milkman in 1905.

Such apprehensions are proven wrong the second the curtain is raised. Immediately owning the role, Warlow’s performance is as subtle as it is commanding, proving once again just how impressive he is on the stage. His booming voice and moments of rage are permeated by instances of quiet religious reflection and small comedic gestures that embody the character entirely.

Comparatively, some of the other performances are shaky, which makes it feel like the entirety of the show is resting on Warlow’s shoulders. Sigrid Thornton plays an overt and charming Golde, but her vocal range is quite weak. This makes the leads’ duets somewhat disappointing and detracts from the emotion of their scenes together. As pleasurable as it is to watch Warlow in his element, some more authoritative performances from the supporting cast are required.

The set design is minimalistic, primarily consisting of cut-out wooden houses. This understated approach forces the focus back onto the performances and the characters, and it works particularly well during both the tavern and wedding scenes where the traditional Jewish music and dancing is fun and mesmerising.

It may also be due to the minimalistic approach that the religious and political aspects of the musical feel hauntingly familiar. Anatevka may seem a world away from the modern context, but the plight of this small Jewish community in early 20th century Russia remains poignant. The tension between different faiths, the constant threat of violence and the prevalence of dividing lines are a reminder that times may change but humans, sadly, do not. The parallels between this classic story and modern society prove that Fiddler On The Roof continues to be a relevant piece of theatre.

Fiddler On The Roofis playing at the Capitol Theatre until Sunday May 8.

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