Fiddler on the Roof – A Great Family Show
Looking to celebrate the start of the New Year? A good way to do that is for you, your family, and/or friends to enjoy an outing to the theater. Consider going to the Paper Mill Playhouse where you can see an outstanding version of the time honored classic show Fiddler on the Roof. Running now through Sunday, January 7, Fiddler on the Roof is a story about families and their community and how important each part is to the other.
Fiddler on the Roof was the first Broadway musical I ever saw. The family connection to that show is strong for me since my parents took me to see it as a birthday gift. I never forgot the thrill of that experience. And so it was no surprise that as I sat listening to the opening song, “Tradition,” tears rolled down my cheeks. That’s the kind of show this is: A sweet memory builder.
The cast, creatives, and musicians perform on the large Paper Mill stage with gusto and vigor as they tell the story of Tevye, the hard working milkman and his family. Their struggles and victories among themselves and their little Russian village are joyful, sad, and poignant to experience.
Background
Fiddler on the Roof opened at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre in 1964. It was an instant hit and it went on to win the Best Musical Tony Award in 1965. It features a book by Joseph Stein, music by Jerry Bock, and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick.
Paper Mill’s production showcases the original Tony-winning choreography by Jerome Robbins which is reproduced by Parker Esse. Dance is featured at key points as the story unfolds. One of the highlights occurs during the wedding scene. Be sure to watch carefully as this beautiful group of dancers perform this famous scene. And yes, the bottles stay in place on their hats.
Mark S. Hoebee directs this production.
This marks the first time Fiddler on the Roof is on the Paper Mill stage in 40 years.
A Story of Culture, Family, and Love for Each Other
Fiddler on the Roof opens with a Prologue song, “Tradition.” This song sets the ideas and tone of the show. Tradition is what guides the small village, Anatevka, in Russia. The year is 1905 right on the eve of the Russian revolutionary period. Without tradition to guide them, the people of the village feel their lives would be as unstable as say a fiddler who sits up on a roof. Listen carefully to the words of the song and you hear an overview of each person’s role in life in the village. It’s a brilliant way to open the show.
But herein lies the basis for conflict. Traditions followed in the past begin to be questioned as young people look for new ways to live their lives. The next song, “Matchmaker” is a good example of this. The time honored tradition of the village matchmaker selecting a husband or wife is challenged. We see this as a husband is selected for Tevye’s oldest daughter, Tzeitel. The butcher is not who she wants to marry. Her desire is for the tailor. In spite of everything that goes with the match, Tevye’s love for his daughter wins out and he gives his approval for the wedding to the tailor.
The wedding scene brings out some very sentimental moments are Tevye and Golde watch their daughter marry. The song “Sunrise, Sunset” is one of the most beautiful in the show. The couple reminisce about the way children grow up so quickly and then have adult lives of their own. And later, in Act Two, the couple review their lives together as they ask the question, “Do You Love Me?” Despite what happens, the ties that bind this couple and their family together remain strong.
There are several difficult moments towards the end of the show where Tevye has to go against his own beliefs in order to say good bye to a family member. Then the moment arrives when the Russian army comes in and orders the village to move out. We feel their sadness as they leave with their meager worldly goods and wonder where they will end up.
Cast
A superb cast performs in the Paper Mill’s production of Fiddler on the Roof. It stars Jordan Gelber as Tevye and Jill Abramovitz as his wife, Golde. Playing their daughters is Alexandra Socha as Tzeitel, Austen Danielle Bohmer as Hodel, and Maya Jacobson as Chava,
Etai Benson plays the tailor, Motel. Playing the student revolutionary Perchik is David R. Gordon. Suzanne Grodner plays the village matchmaker Yente.
Playing the village butcher Lazar Wolf is Jeremy Radin. Andrew plays Fyedka, the young Christian.
A large ensemble also is a part of the production.
Fun Things to Do Before the Show
Be sure to stop at the Gift Shop in the lobby before going to your seat. There are some very interesting items for sale related to the show including this unique sign talking about Tradition.
Also in the lobby are several wall hangings giving more information about the show and the people of the time.
And of course no visit is complete without a little beverage refreshment. The Specialty Cocktails are always fun to have or even just read about. I went with the Miracle of Miracles which was divine!
To See Fiddler on the Roof
For tickets and more information about this show, visit the Paper Mill Playhouse’s website.
Parking is available close to the theater entrance and the staff at the lots do a fine job of getting everyone taken care of.