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Fiddler on the Roof on Tour
In Broadway terms, Fiddler on the Roof is a tradition unto itself. The much-loved story of Tevye the milkman's struggle to reconcile old Jewish ways with the modern world opened on Broadway in 1964 and held the record for longest-running musical — with 3,242 performances until it closed in 1970 — for nearly 10 years. The blockbuster won nine Tony Awards — including best musical, direction, and choreography — and has been revived on Broadway five times.
Producer Harold Prince hired director-choreographer Jerome Robbins to bring Sholom Aleichem's turn-of-the-19th-century Yiddish tales of life in the Anatevka shtetl, where existence is "as precarious as a fiddler on the roof," to the stage. Jerry Bock's music and Sheldon Harnick's lyrics illuminated the fading world of East European Jewry, while Joseph Stein's book brought a humorous taste of Jewish comedy's borscht belt. Painter Marc Chagall's blend of Jewish traditionalism and artistic modernism inspired the show's memorable look. Zero Mostel played Tevye, and Beatrice Arthur, of Maude television fame, portrayed Yente the matchmaker.
The most recent revival arrived in 2015, when director Bartlett Sher enhanced the show's authenticity with the help of Israeli-born choreographer Hofesh Shechter. The New York Times praised the new production as "superb" while noting how it recaptured the foot-stomping, hand-waving energy of the original.
Sher's revival, now on tour with Yehezkel Lazarov as Tevye and Maite Uzal as his wife Golde, is delighting audiences with celebratory songs like "Tradition," "If I Were a Rich Man," and "To Life (L'Chaim)," as well as beautiful melodies of love and loss such as "Sunrise, Sunset" and "Far From the Home I Love."
As part of a trend that began with The Sound of Music and The Wizard of Oz, Fiddler on the Roof fans are dressing up as Anatevkans and belting out tunes during screenings of the show's 1971 film adaptation. Their participatory zeal reflects the devotion the musical has inspired and the power of its music.
"What can we do?" asks Tevye of Golde during a moment of doubt. "It's a new world." One solution is to return to the source for cultural renewal. We may not experience the same problems as shtetl Jews in 1905 did, but Fiddler on the Roof assures us that almost any difficulty can be surmounted with great music and exuberant dancing.
Topol wasn't performing Tevye's role for the 1pm show, so we got our tickets exchanged for the evening show. Though we had to commute twice to Boston that day IT was totally worth. He's the best Tevye u will c.... Amazing show!
The first time I saw this production it was with Topol and I am so pleased that I got the chance to see one of his last performances. I have to say, it was just as wonderful as the first time. I took someone that has never seen it before and she throughly enjoyed herself. I wish Topol the best for the rest of his life.
I grew up with "Fiddler" and took my 11 year old son to this performance, mostly for his benefit but I enjoyed every minute. Topol really embodies Tevye the way nobody else can. He had the crowd focused on his every minute movement, expression, vocalization. Mesmerizing. The cast was full of energy, lots of talent there.
I grew up watching Topol's performance as Tevye on video... over, and over, and over again. I knew the music, the story, the characters, the timing, and even the inflection in Tevye's voice as he grapples with change "on the other hand". Granted, I haven't watched the film in 10 years, but I have such fond memories. My expectation for the show was high but not too high. I expected a big difference in the role and the man over the years. I also knew that the stage production would vary from the film so I just tried to go in with an open mind. I was blown away. Topol's voice is strong, the character still witty, the timing so natural. I couldn't take my eyes off of him, and it felt like coming home. The show was a delight from the first line, the first dance of Tradition, the first interaction with God. The rest of the cast was strong, a bit too American-sounding at times, but forgivable. But Topol was stunning. I am so thrilled to have been able to enjoy the live performance and would encourage anyone who knows Topol as Tevye to do the same while the chance is before us.
A fantastic show, cast was amazing. The Opera house is always so beautiful and the sound was great. Go while you still have chance. I wish I could afford to go again
We loved the show! Topol is really fantastic, but the entire cast deserves to be commended for a GREAT performance. Catch it if you can!
I have grown up listening to Topol sing these songs. My Dad loved this, and we listened to the record (yes, record) frequently. We were also avid watchers of the movie. So when I heard this was coming to town, I ran out to get tickets. What can I say? Topol is an icon, absolutely phenomenal. The show is amazing, all the actors were spot on. What's better than Fiddler on the Roof with it's humor, amazing songs, fantastic dancing? Oh, yeah, seeing Topal play the lead. If you can get out to see this, do.
Topol is 74 years old. His voice is amazing as ever. His acting is impeccable -- incredible nuance and rapport. But I remember Topol at age 40 -- and sometimes his age caught me off guard. When he sang "If I Were a Rich Man", I missed the energy of 35 years ago. He did a few boot stomps with his arms up, but it was the stomps and arms of an old man. A few times throughout the show, I noticed his age. If I hadn't seen the show years ago, and the movie, I may not have been so aware of his age. But I still enjoyed the show. My boys enjoyed the show. The acting and singing was very good in general -- including Topol. I'm glad we went.
Both my husband and I thought this was the best show we ever saw. We also heard other people leaving the theatre say the same thing. Topol was absolutely wonderful. He has such a terrific voice, both while singing and speaking. The rest of the cast was great, the music was wonderful, and the sets looked fabulous. I enjoyed every second!
I have seen this in the past and thought it was wonderful. My daughter in-law wanted to see the show, so I brought her. She loved it she was so happy to be able to see fiddler on the Roof before it was gone. If this says anything for the show My daughter in-law said it kept her attention every moment. She laughed and at times wanted to cry. Topol acting was better than ever. I did note less of a bounce in his dance than in previous performances, but I do not think that there is anyone else that can play this part like him.
Topol may be 74 years old but he is certainly as good today as he was in the film and, through over 2500 performances in this role, has aged in only the way a fine wine can. His expressions have been refined with time to a point where he and Tevye are one in the same. The rest of the cast is outstanding as well. The three daughters are magnificent in their appearance and voices. This is a timeless story and a timeless show that is made all the more special through the presence of the actor who brought it to life 40 years ago and who continues to bring it to life with the same passion today.
Fiddler on the roof + Topol, need I say more??? I am so glad I got to see him in person- just amazing after all these years he still sounds as good as 40 years ago.
the show was so awesome and breathtaking. I wish I could go see it again, I loved it, as did my family. I remember my grandmother talking about how she had to leave Kiev, because of the Zarr and it brought back so many memories about what she had to go through to leave there safe and get to America.
An amazing performance by Chaim Topol. He can still kick his legs up as high as he did 40 years ago.
I saw Fiddler on the Roof with Topol (the movie) many years ago and fell in love with it. Seeing Topol on stage at The Boston Opera House was unforgettable and amazing! His energy and every word and nuance was the mark of a seasoned and unbelievably talented man. I am planning to see it again in Washington D.C. in April when I visit a family member. Thank you Topol for a memorable experience.
Great performance by Topol after 50 years and 25,000 performances. A must see for fans of Topol and the musical. It may never be this good again.
Fiddler on the Roof was outstanding! Topol was great. The cast performed perfect. The only issues was hearing. We sat in ORCH Row T and some voices didn't carry so well. Also, if you bring kids, explain to them the story up front so you are not explaining everything to them during the show.
The show is a true classic. Topol is a joy to watch. I am glad my wife and I took our 11 year old to see it.
This version of Fiddler was okay. Topol was a little reserved, some of the characters were so obviously not East European that it was a distraction and the set was skimpy. Unfortunately I am comparing this to the first touring company which I saw as a child, which is always a hard sell. The voices were rich however and it held true to the original, important in such a well known musical.
Topol was everything I hoped he would be. I love the Opera House and with Topol performing Fiddler on the Roof there, WOW!!!!