Western Stage mounts a marvelous version of that old standard, Fiddler on the Roof.

From Tevye''s first entrance to his last backward glance at the turn-of-the-century Russian Jewish village he, his family and neighbors are forced to leave, this musical entertains. We laughed, we cried, we celebrated, we were completely satisfied...well, almost.

Fiddler on the Roof is the serious/comic tale of Tevye, a dairyman living in the fictional village of Anatevka. The story explores the age-old conflict between tradition and modernity. It celebrates the human spirit enduring pride and prejudice, pain and suffering, sadness and joy, and above all, change.

Director Jon Patrick Selover took a very large cast and created a powerful experience for his audience. The passion displayed in very believable performances made the audience feel. We could feel the pain, the joy, the anger, angst, and heartache.

Reg Houston was brilliant as Tevye. Making the part of the harried milkman his own, Houston''s vocalization was commanding, robust, and clear. His stage presence was masterful, down to the smallest of mannerisms.

Sharon McDonald played his wife, Golde, with strength and a rugged charm that was endearing. Leesa Holland was delightful as the chatterbox busybody matchmaker. Jennifer Kiatta, Lauren Creager, and Melissa Douglas played Tevye''s marriageable daughters with steady youthful appeal and ease, while Mike Baker, Craig Benson, and Christopher Nelson capably played the marrying men with intelligence and energy.

Of all the familiar songs presented by a most competent orchestra, none were so poignant and touching as the intimate duet between Houston and McDonald in "Do You Love Me," and Creager''s heart-tugging goodbye to her father in "Far From the Home I Love."

The stage design was wonderful, establishing the feel of family, community and residence, and aiding smooth scene transitions. Just two items and one prop seemed out of place. The brightly colored panels that sometimes obscured the view of Motel''s tailor shop were in distracting contrast to the subdued tones of Anatevka and Tevye''s residence. The ceiling drops used during the wedding and the (extraordinary) nightmare scene would be more suited for the old Groucho Marx television show, "You Bet Your Life." And, after the marvelous scene where Grandma Tzeitel is brought back to "life," it''s a shame that she waves about a modern walking cane from K-Mart.

Still, these are minor complaints in what is, ultimately, a grand and entirely enjoyable theater event.

At the Western Stage through Nov. 21.

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