Fiddler on the Roof

Fiddler on the Roof is a classic musical that first appeared on Broadway in 1964 and was later adapted to the popular film in 1971. The story centers on the life of a poor Jewish milkman, Tevye, and his attempts to maintain his family and religious traditions while the world is changing around him. His three oldest daughters, Tzeitel, Hodel, and Chava, are married throughout the course of the story each one challenging the ancient traditions in different ways. Set in Tsarist Russia in 1905, the play showcases the Jewish lifestyle and beliefs as opposed to the Russians. In the beginning, the Jews and Russians live peacefully together but problems arise for Jews in their small village of Anatevka until finally they are evicted from their village by the Tsar’s edict. This musical draws the audience in with its unparalleled orchestrations that combine the original music of the Middle East with the grand resonance of Broadway. Of course, the most musical element is the actual fiddler. He appears several times throughout the story, mainly interacting with Tevye. Fiddler on the Roof has all the best and essential ingredients for a classic Broadway musical.
The original production opened on September 22, 1964, at the Imperial Theatre. From there, it moved to the Majestic Theatre in 1967 and finally to the Broadway Theatre in 1970. Names like Zero Mostel, Maria Karnilova, Herschel Bernardi, and Gino Conforti dominated the cast list. Fiddler was first run of a musical in history to exceed 3,000 performances, setting a record of 3,242 shows total. Nominated for ten Tony Awards, the Broadway hit won nine, including Best Musical, score, book, direction and choreography. Fiddler on the Roof enjoyed its position as the longest running musical for ten years until it was surpassed by Grease. However, it holds the title of Broadway’s fourteenth longest-running show in history.
The movie is equally impressive. It was no surprise that the film won three Academy Awards, Best Original Score, Best Cinematography, and Best Sound, with arranger/conductor John Williams and director Norman Jewison. Played by Chaim Topol, Tevye is the most lovable and interactive character in the film. Occasionally, he will break the theatric “fourth wall” by talking to the audience or to the heavens (God) for the audience’s benefit. Best of all, the actual songs in the musical are what make it phenomenal. The most popular songs are “Matchmaker, Matchmaker”, “If I Were a Rich Man”, “Far From the Home I Love”, and “Sunrise, Sunset”. The last song, “Sunrise, Sunset”, is my favorite. This song is sung by Tevye (Topol), Golde (Norma Crane), Perchik (Paul Glaser), and Hodel (Michele Marsh) at the wedding of Motel and Tzeitel. I love to sing this song; in fact, I sing all the parts, not just the girls. I wish I could sing this as a duet (or quartet) with someone but that might be hard because it’s the parents singing about their daughter, Tzeitel, and how time has passed so quickly. But that doesn’t stop me from singing it at home and in the car! This musical is the epitome of classic and never grows old for me.
The things I love most about this musical are Tevye’s conversations with God, his dancing, his creativity, etc. Basically, I love Tevye’s whole character! He is determined to honor the traditions of old and show his devotion but he slowly and gradually integrates some more modern ideas through the actions and decisions of his three eldest daughters. He shows a familiarity with God through his entertaining and comical prayers. Incomparable, his dancing skills just add to his lovable and original character. Finally, he displays a quick and creative mind as he “dreams” up a story to tell Golde, his wife, to get her to accept Motel and Tzeitel’s marriage. He also has the best one-liners in the play. My favorite quote is an exchange between him and Perchik.

Perchik: Money is the world’s curse!
Tevye: May God strike me with it! And may I never recover!!!!

I hope I have convinced to you watch this musical again or perhaps for the first time! Leave me a post about your favorite parts or songs. Till next time, enjoy!