by Shirley J. Gregory
The Burn Brae Dinner Theatre
3811 Blackburn Lane
Burtonsville, MD 20866-0180
For reservations, call (301) 384-5800 (Washington);
(410) 792-0290 (Baltimore); 1-800-777-BBDT (Out of State).
Fiddler on the Roof - playing now through November 28, 1999
This production of The Fiddler on the Roof bursts from it’s small stage as fresh as its Broadway debut. The brilliant directing by John Kinnamon and moving choreography by Tina DeSimone, is just another jewel in the crown of this timeless story. The outstanding portrayal of Tevye, Golde, and their daughters by Bob Brenner, Anita O’Leary, Tina Marie DeSimone, Heather Scheeler, and Debbie Freidman, and the rest excellent supporting cast perform with a sincerity and earnestness that makes you fall in love with the characters all over again. The stage simply disappears, and we see nothing but their lives, their loves, their ups and downs as we’re drawn deeper and deeper into the lives of these harmless people living their ordinary lives, and trying to maintain the traditions under which they were raised.
This play should not be appropriate for dinner theater, except it is written so exceptionally well that its classic sweetness, Tevye’s resilient humor, and the townspeople’s enduring innocence overrides the bitter realities of the time in history it portrays. All of this combined allows us, like the townspeople, to accept what happens to them and remain hopeful, not depressed.
The vocal talents and acting are of superior quality (as was the food, by the way). It is no surprise, then, how many of Burn Brae’s actors and production staff have gone on to Broadway, Hollywood, and TV. Acting seven nights a week, and twice on Wednesdays and Sundays, while waiting tables in between will quickly weed out those not truly dedicated to their art.
This is a great evening for the entire family. It is a great evening of entertainment, even the pre-show is lots of fun. This is quality theater with the added bonus of a great meal. The salad and entree buffets are large, varied, and invitingly laid out, with delicious choices for every taste. The dessert buffet is unbelievable.
Burn Brae is a little bit of a drive, but that is
negligible compared to the entertainment value it offers.
Many choose to hold birthday celebrations and family reunions there.
You’ll want to make Burn Brae your family “tradition,” too.
The Burn Brae Dinner Theatre is located at 3811 Blackburn Lane, Burtonsville, MD 20866-0180. For reservations, call (301) 384-5800 (Washington); (410) 792-0290 (Baltimore); 1-800-777-BBDT (Out of State).
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