Tradition Meets Talent: Nicely Theatre’s ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ Strikes All the Right Notes
If you’re not familiar with Fiddler on the Roof, here’s the scoop: it’s the story of Tevye, a humble milkman trying to hold on to his Jewish traditions in a rapidly changing world in pre-Revolutionary Russia. As his daughters begin challenging these traditions (hello, love and independence!), Tevye is forced to confront some hard truths and navigate the emotional rollercoaster that is life, love, and letting go. If you’re a fan of musical theatre, you’ve probably heard the iconic songs: “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Tradition,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” and “Do You Love Me?”—but trust me, seeing it live at Nicely Theatre Group with a talented cast brings these classics to a whole new level.
[Warning: Spoilers about Nicely Theatre Group’s production of Fiddler on the Roof are below!]
Fiddler on the Roof’s human-centered story requires a talented cast
Now, let’s talk about the cast, because they absolutely brought it in this production. Patrick Lane’s (Guys & Dolls) portrayal of Tevye was everything I hoped for and more. He gave Tevye that perfect balance of humor and heart, carrying the weight of the character’s struggles with depth and sincerity. His delivery of “If I Were a Rich Man” had the audience in his palm, and when it came time for the emotional moments —like the father-daughter scenes —the audience began sniffling.
Alexa Carollo (Fun Home) as Golde, Tevye’s wife, was the perfect counterpart—strong, loving, and a bit stubborn in the best way. Together, Lane and Carollo created a Tevye-Golde dynamic that felt genuine and lived-in. You could really sense the years of shared history and mutual respect in their every interaction.
The daughters—Sara Grice, Sarah Noble (Guys & Dolls), and Autumn Sierra—each brought something unique to their roles. Grice as Tzeitel was a standout, especially in her emotional moments with Tevye. I could see the heartache and hope in her eyes during “Matchmaker,” and when she stood up for love, it was heartfelt. Noble’s Hodel, with her strong-willed and passionate nature, left a lasting impression in “Far from the Home I Love,” which was a total tear-jerker. Sierra’s Chava, the quiet rebel, had such an understated grace that made her journey all the more powerful. The chemistry between these sisters felt real, and I could see how they grew and shifted over the course of the show.
And let’s not forget the ensemble, which was nothing short of spectacular. The energy they brought, especially during group numbers like “Tradition” and “To Life,” was electric.
Chris Bateson’s Perchik, Sterling Orlowski’s Motel, and Jared Bugbee’s Fyedka brought the perfect mix of charm and defiance. Their performances really added to the show’s tension and excitement. Each song, with quiet passion, made their relationships with the daughters even more compelling.
And then there’s the incredible supporting cast—Deb Dworkin as Yente (the matchmaker), Evan Ross as Lazar Wolf (the suitor with his own set of problems), and the legendary Annie Klark as Grandma Tzeitel. Each of them added just the right amount of humor, wisdom, and, at times, unsettling truth to the story. The comedic timing was on point, but they were also there for the more serious moments, providing some emotional depth.
Music and choreography bring the emotion in this Nicely Theatre Group production
As a music major, I have a deep appreciation for musical scores, and Fiddler on the Roof delivered in spades. The live orchestra, under the direction of Daniel Greig, brought the lush, iconic melodies to life with passion and precision, making the whole experience feel like a celebration of music. From the opening strains of “Tradition” to the heart-tugging “Sunrise, Sunset,” the music took on a life of its own. I was completely swept up in it.
The choreography was also fantastic—especially during those huge group numbers. The dancers brought a lively, celebratory energy to every scene. The way they moved in sync with the music, especially during “To Life,” was so well done—it wasn’t just dancing; it was an expression of the joy and tension at the heart of this community.
The whole evening felt like an emotional rollercoaster—laughing, crying, and laughing again. The emotional depth of the story, combined with the stellar performances, made for an unforgettable experience. This show reminded me why I fell in love with musical theatre in the first place—it’s all about connection: to the music, the characters, and the people around you.
If you’re looking for a show that brings heart, humor, and a whole lot of soul, do yourself a favor and see Nicely Theatre Group’s Fiddler on the Roof. I promise it’ll be worth every second. I’m already counting the days until their next production. This show runs now through Oct 26th, with tickets going fast click here to grab yours today! If you’ve seen this production, let us know @BoxSeatBabes!
Exclusive Interview: Alexa Carollo & Patrick Lane of Nicely Theatre Group’s Fiddler on the Roof
