We have highlighted Livingston High School’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof” in the Tribune for the past several weeks, so now that the show has been performed, it only makes sense to praise all involved for an outstanding accomplishment.In its first indoor performance of a musical in three years, the cast and crew of last week’s show emerged from the pandemic with a thoughtful, polished presentation. A return after such a long time, just as spring begins, was another welcome sign for a community that is eagerly anticipating the arrival of many upcoming events.The show certainly pulled on the heartstrings of the audience, to which we at the Tribune can personally attest. When one of our writers first saw “Fiddler on the Roof” on Broadway years ago, she identified with the story’s children. Then, when she took her children to see the show, she was surprised to feel more empathy with the parents, Tevye and Golde. At this LHS production, when she attended with her grown son and her nine-year-old granddaughter, she found herself identifying with Grandma Tzeitel!The production values of the show – the dialog, acting, music, singing, choreography, costuming, and sets –were all top-notch. The storyline was as powerful in the LHS auditorium as on Broadway and in the movies.And, it must be said, that there are few shows more relevant to our current moment than “Fiddler on the Roof.” The production contains a wealth of universal messages, including the roles of family, tradition and faith, finding joy and community, and living in uncertain times.This LHS performance, at this particular moment, allows us to identify with the people being portrayed. “Fiddler on the Roof” takes place in a fictional village, near Kyiv in Ukraine, in 1905. Russian soldiers tell the Jewish residents they have to leave in three days. It was heartbreaking then, just as it is heartbreaking now, to watch a people displaced.So, thank you, to all involved in bringing this wonderful show to the stage last weekend. Intentional or not, it was the perfect production for the moment.
