It's difficult to recommend a musical that runs more than three hours and, unfortunately, surrounds a few standout performers with others who are mediocre at best.

However, when Dave Holden as Tevye delivers "If I Were a Rich Man," and the chorus voices blend in perfect harmony for "Sabbath Prayer," it almost makes the rest of the show's annoyances worth it.

The Northwest Savoyards' production of "Fiddler on the Roof" ends its 3-week run this weekend, with performances Friday and Saturday, June 19 and 20, at 8 p.m. and June 21 at 2:30 p.m. at the Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby.

Despite some outstanding vocal performances, the heart of this story never fully develops in director John Edwards' hands. The music is wonderful, the voices soaring, but this tale of a father, and indeed a whole race of people, struggling to adapt to a changing world never connects emotionally.

Holden, while a powerful and skilled singer, needed more direction in the delivery of dialogue to avoid a monotonous impersonation of Topol. Decisions to stage some of the most heartfelt musical numbers, including "Sunrise Sunset," with the cast simply singing straight out to the audience rather than acknowledging the meanings and actions associated with the music, added to the coldness of the show.

Cast members who did a good job of connecting with the audience while honoring the story's time and place included Marianna Wilson and Brooklynn El Fattal as the two oldest daughters, Jeremy Randall as Lazar Wolf and Jenny Price as Yente.

Technically, the decision to close the curtains at every scene change only adds to the length of the show and lets the audience disconnect again. And the Savoyards, usually known for interesting and authentic costuming, put actors on stage in beards that look like mops.

Visit www.everetttheatre.org or call (425) 258-6766 for tickets.