LOS ANGELES/GLENDALE, CALIF. – The theater in the round wasn’t something new for Michael Montiel, who said he had been to several performances at the Glendale Centre Theatre. But, now that he’s part of the cast in the production of Fiddler on the Roof, it’s a whole new experience.
“It’s weird, “Montiel said. “I’ve seen a lot of shows in that theater, but it never really occurred to me that the audience is on all four sides for the performers.”
Montiel plays ‘Motel,’ the husband-to-be of Tzeitel (played by Nicole Ligerman), the first daughter of central character ‘Tevye’ (Richard Malmos) and ‘Golde’ (played by Lisa Dyson). Montiel is an incredibly animated actor that makes watching him perform an absolute joy for all. With a soothing voice, youthful charm and natural talent, he is an immediate audience favorite.
Fiddler on the Roof is one of the great works of American musical theater is based on the book by Joseph Stein. Based in a small Ukrainian village in 1905, Fiddler tells the story of ‘Tevye’ (Malmos) and his five daughters who must confront long-standing traditions in their search for suitable husbands. The musical score by Jerry Bock includes some famous songs such as “If I were a Rich Man,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” and others.
In the 10 years that Montiel has been performing on theater, this is the second time he has performed in Fiddler. His first appearance at age 14 was as a minor supporting character. “It was a great experience. I got to play one of the younger village kids back then.”
Montiel said working with his cast has been an incredible learning experience, something he hopes will continue with future productions. He said working in the confined space of the Glendale Centre Theatre has been great fun, and an exciting learning experience as well.
“We spent two whole days just doing the choreography to avoid traffic jams on stage,” he said. And they do an amazing job of it as well.
When he’s not performing on this stage, Montiel produces and performs in a specially-written vaudeville show at other Los Angeles locations and corporate events.
Fiddler on the Roof plays through March 24 at the Glendale Centre Theatre. For tickets, visit http://www.glendalecentretheatre.com or call (818) 244.8481.