STAGE REVIEWS : ‘FIDDLER ON THE ROOF’

Director Gary Davis has mounted an accomplished, affecting version of “Fiddler on the Roof” for Regional Repertory Theatre that neatly captures the musical comedy’s bittersweet soul.

And there is plenty of the bittersweet in this tale based on the stories of Sholom Aleichem about a Jewish family slowly being torn apart by the cracks in their cocoon of tradition and by the specter of pre-Revolution Russian politics that threatens their way of life. Davis capitalizes on the story’s solemn strains with hauntingly staged versions of “Sabbath Prayer,” “Sunrise, Sunset” and “Anatevka” (the peasants’ homage to their simple village). But he balances the hardship by showing the joy in their lives, staging spirited versions of “To Life” and “Matchmaker.”

Gary Gordon once again reprises the role of Tevye, beleaguered father to five daughters, investing the role with a comic, good-natured slant that tends to soften the story’s sharper edges. If that makes this Tevye little match for the crosswinds of changing times, it also makes him a good match for his strong-willed wife, Golde, played with affectionate pragmatism by Shirley Romano. The strong performances of Moni Kertz, Carrie Jachnuk and Jolene Kaye Slipp as Tevye’s three older daughters provide much of the heart (and the heartache) in this production as they force change upon poor Tevye by having the temerity to fall in love rather than wait for the matchmaker to arrange appropriate unions. Jachnuk, especially, stands out with fierce intelligence and passion, complemented by a lovely singing voice, as the daughter who asks her father’s blessing--rather than his permission--to marry.

Not all of the supporting performances are as effective, but the production is enhanced by a capable chorus under the musical direction of Jan Ritschel and also by Susan Cable’s stirring choreography. Wally Huntoon’s striking set design captures the spare, temporary quality of the village, echoing the residents’ lot in life.

“Fiddler on the Roof” will play through Sunday at the Forum Theater, 4175 Fairmont Blvd., Yorba Linda. For information, call 996-4195.