Reviewer made richer for experiencing M-W Drama Club's production of ‘Fiddler'

Central Valley - Good plays are revived because they are more than diversions; they give us a perspective on the issues of our times. This is the case with “Fiddler on the Roof,” presented to the public with much anticipation March 24-26 at Monroe-Woodbury High School. The play takes us through a time warp back a hundred years to a shetl in Russia and represents how the people responded when their beloved traditions were challenged, particularly the authority of the father to select husbands for his daughters. As liberal ideas threatened traditional family values, the government moved in with a pogrom, breaking up the village and forcing its impoverished inhabitants to migrate without passports wherever they might be accepted: Jerusalem, Krakow, America. The fiddler represents the enduring spirit of the people, a light in the darkness of their lives. The 2006 production is even better than the fine 1997 production at the old high school. The sets and the music were of a quality rarely seen in high school productions, although, frankly, we now take for granted flawless, professional performances from the orchestra. Students may go on to great careers in the performing arts and never again perform with a full orchestra of such high quality. Other traditional strengths of the M-W Drama Club were represented here, including ensemble performances sometimes dressing the stage from wall to wall in which each performer was in character and well-costumed. These players sang, danced and flew to sparkling effect. The seniors gave worthy performances to top off their high school careers. Sarah Fields as Yente made us laugh one last time, and Chloe Tompkins (Golde) sang sweetly her duet, “Do You Love Me,” with Adam LaSalle (Tevye). And Christian Salerno provided a truly special moment as he suddenly filled the theater with his beautiful tenor voice in “To Life.” Sarah Tusch fiddled flawlessly from the roof and sweetly while suspended in air - not a technique taught at most music schools! There are many more to mention, including Nathanial Mengaziol, Drew Kaufman, Mike Lennon, Becca Babin, Dana Fortunato - nice work. We’ll miss you! If there was rocky aspect of the show, it was one of interpretation more than performance. If the marriageable daughters (ably sung and acted by Marli Sussman, Annette Storckman and Amanda Colon) are to prove that they should prevail over their father in choosing their husbands, then the men they choose must appear to the audience to be strong, worthy and responsible. But if their fiancés seem comical or passionless, the audience might be persuaded that father knows best - and the point of the play is lost. Amidst the fine singers and dancers, one performer stood out: Adam LaSalle as Tevye, who sang wonderfully throughout, gave the best performance by an actor that I have ever seen on a Monroe-Woodbury stage. His many monologues rivaled the production numbers for their artistry. He breathed life and credibility into every line and with complete believability portrayed a man more than twice his age. Only a sophomore, LaSalle promises us much to look forward to in future M-W Drama Club productions. If you missed his performance - and all of these wonderful performances - you should remind yourself not to make the same mistake next year. K.J. Walters teaches at SUNY Rockland, has an affection for the arts, particularly those within the Monroe-Woodbury School District, and is a frequent letter writer to area newspapers, including The Photo News. He lives in Monroe.