Fiddler on the Roof returns to the Fisher Theatre
October 11 – 16
By: Diana Brang-Scott
Fiddler on the Roof is the heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and life, love and laughter. This classic musical is rich with Broadway hits, including “To Life (L’Chaim!),” “If I Were A Rich Man,” "Sunrise, Sunset,” "Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” and “Tradition.”
For those of you who are not familiar with this warm charming musical let me break it down for you. The story begin in a small Russian village in 1905 and follows Tevye, a poor devout milkman who attempts to maintain his Jewish religious and cultural traditions. It becomes harder as outside influences, such as the changing social and political climate encroach upon his family's lives and customs. Tevye has 3 strong-willed older daughters who are pushing back against the “old ways” and wish to marry for love instead of who is chosen for them by the village Yente -The Matchmaker. (For those reading along from Gen Z, a Matchmaker is a person who arranges relationships and marriages as a profession. They relied on the discretion of the matchmaker to find mates, no algorithm, Tinder or Bumble ) While Fiddler on the Roof beautifully illustrates Jewish traditions, it also portrays the evolution of established beliefs and that ultimately concludes that there is an aspect of life that is stronger than tradition: the power of love.
The original Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof, opened here in Detroit in 1964 at the Fisher Theatre 58 years ago. It was the first musical in history to surpass 3,000 performances. (It was the longest running musical until Grease broke the record more than a decade later). The original budget for the musical was 250,000 (imagine that for a moment). The show won the 1965 Tony Award for Best Musical in addition to eight other Tony Awards that year. This acclaimed revival proudly introduces a new generation to the iconic musical adored across the globe.
A beloved theatrical classic from Tony-winner Joseph Stein and Pulitzer Prize winners Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, this production is directed by Tony Award ® winner Bartlett Sher (To Kill a Mockingbird, South Pacific, The King and I) and choreographed by the acclaimed Israeli choreographer Hofesh Shechter.
The cast features a mix of returning and new faces, including Jonathan Hashmonay as Tevye, Maite Uzal as Golde, Andrew Hendrick as Lazar Wolf, Mary Beth Webber as Yente, Randa Meierhenry as Tzeitel, GraceAnn Kontak as Hodel, Yardén Barr as Chava, Daniel Kushner as Motel, Austin J. Gresham as Perchik, Carson Robinette as Fyedka and Jason Thomas Sofge as Constable.
Come out and enjoy and evening of love and tradition! You will fall for the musical/comedy of Fiddler on the Roof, it has charmed audiences with its wit, heart, and iconic music for nearly 60 years.
Tickets for Fiddler on the Roof are on sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800-982-2787, and in person at the Fisher Theatre Box Office.
For more information visit www.fiddlermusical.com or www.broadwayindetroit.com
