It’s Today! : L'Chaim! For FIDDLER
Pat Cerasaro
Based on the classic Yiddish short story collection TEVYE AND HIS DAUGHTERS by Sholem Aleichem, the Golden Age classic FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is one of the most oft-revived musicals in theatre history. A staple of community theaters and schools, FIDDLER has enjoyed numerous notable productions since its 1964 debut, including a brand new all-Yiddish revival directed by Broadway legend Joel Grey, impressing audiences and critics alike. Currently running at the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbienethrough December 30, the open-ended Off-Broadway transfer will begin performances atStage 42on February 11, with opening night set forFebruary 21.The cast is led by Steven Skybell along with Jackie Hoffman, Jennifer Babiak, Rachel Zatcoff, Stephanie Lynne Mason, Rosie Jo Neddy, Ben Liebert, Drew Seigla, Cameron Johnson, Bruce Sabath, Lisa Fishman and Jodi Snyder.
Penned by Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick and Joseph Stein, the premiere Broadway iteration of the tuneful family-friendly musical was directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins, taking home nine Tony Awards including Best Musical and eventually becoming the longest-running musical in history up until that time, clocking more than 3000 performances before closing up shop. Legendary superstar Zero Mostel once again headlined a 1976 Broadway revival, followed by a 1981 production starring Herschel Bernardi and a 1990 mounting led by the star of the successful 1971 film adaptation, Topol. In the 21st century, FIDDLER has been twice revived on the Great White Way, first in 2004 starring Alfred Molina and then again in 2015 with Danny Burstein in the leading role.
Featuring a plethora of famous showstoppers including "If I Were A Rich Man", "Matchmaker, Matchmaker", "Sunrise, Sunset", "Tradition", "Do I Love You?", "To Life" and many more, the boisterous and ingratiating score is a principal reason for the show being a perennial favorite popular among both young and old, not to mention the timeless and touching story of a family facing change. Now, with this rapturously received new production finding life Off-Broadway, an entirely new generation will have the opportunity to be exposed to its many glories. L'Chaim!