* REVIEW REVIEW: "Fiddler on the Roof" By Gus Gordon

It’s hard to describe what makes a "star" performance. Is it the singing? The dancing? The acting? A magical combination of all three, or none of the above? One thing is sure: when you see one, you know it.

The latest touring production of "Fiddler on the Roof," which opened at Sangamon Auditorium last night, features such a star performance in the person of Theodore Bikel. He has been playing the leading role of Tevye off and on since the mid 60's, and his experience and expertise show.

Dancing and singing with a sprightliness that belies his almost 78 years, Mr. Bikel proves that even after playing the role over 1,800 times, he can still kick up his heels with the best of them. We should all be so lucky as to have half his stamina!

Based on the tales of Sholem Aleichem, "Fiddler" tells the story of Tevye, the poor Jewish milkman who must try to keep his religious and family traditions intact as the world around him spins out of control.

Author Joseph Stein has been able to weave Aleichem’s stories into a powerful show that has remained a crowd pleaser for almost 40 years. The classic score by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick features some of the most famous Broadway songs of all time, including "Sunrise, Sunset," "If I Were a Rich Man," and "Matchmaker, Matchmaker."

The whole production is very solid, but truth be told, the real reason for any new mounting of "Fiddler" is to showcase the actor playing Tevye. Even though the program lists over 30 people in the cast, the success of the evening really boils down to the performance of one man.

That being the case, this touring production is very lucky to have Theodore Bikel in the lead.

With a deep resonant voice and comic timing that any sitcom star would envy, Bikel portrays the put-upon dairyman with style. He also gives appropriate weight to the dramatic scenes and a sly wittiness to his conversations with God. He knows how to play the stern papa, but he also lets us see the tenderness of a man who obviously adores his five daughters (even if he would’ve liked a son or two).

Even though this is Mr. Bikel’s show, he is surrounded by a strong supporting cast.

Maureen Silliman is suitably peevish as his wife, Golde. The part can frequently come off as shrewish, but Silliman is able to present a well balanced portrayal, emphasizing the character’s warmth in addition to her brittleness. And even though there is an obvious age difference between the two actors, they are able to charm the audience with their duet, "Do You Love Me."

Strong work is also contributed by Eileen Tepper and Sara Schmidt as two of the oldest sisters, Michael Iannucci as the nervous tailor Motel, understudy Rebecca Simon as the ghost of Fruma Sarah, Brad Drummer (great high notes in "To Life") as Fyedka and "Fiddler" veteran David Masters as the befuddled Rabbi.

Special kudos go out to Jonathan Hadley as the revolutionary student, Perchik, and Rachel Jones as his love, Hodel. They had very good chemistry together, and Jones’ version of "Far From The Home I Love" was one of the musical highlights of the show.

Director/Choreographer Sammy Dallas Bayes has provided a faithful recreation of the original work by the brilliant Jerome Robbins. There has been no tinkering (of any consequence) or re-thinking done here. Bayes, who was a dancer in the original 1964 production, makes sure the actors hit their marks, shine in the dance numbers and wring every bit of humor and pathos out of the piece.

Bikel might be the last actor of his generation to essay the role of Tevye, and this tour might represent one of the last times we are able to see the original staging with some of the people who were there in the beginning. So, even if you have seen "Fiddler" before, in a high school gym, or on an outdoor stage, don’t pass up this opportunity to see a fine production, with a real star performance.

"Fiddler on the Roof" continues today at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the Sangamon Auditorium. Call 206-6160 or 1-800-207-6960 for tickets.

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Gus Gordon is the chief meteorologist at NewsChannel 20 and a free lance arts reviewer. He can be reached at gusgordon00@lycos.com