The only time I'd seen Fiddler on the Roof was a local high school production and though it was enjoyable I couldn't really appreciate it well because it was high school.
The touring Broadway production rolled into town this week and we went not really expecting much. After all its almost 60 years old, it takes place in 1900 Russia, I've heard If I Were Rich Man a million times, I'm not Jewish, and our seats are cramped (see previous reviews).
With a stage that opens with a single chair sitting on it, out came Tevye in a modern winter jacket which he puts on the chair and reveals what we are about to see. Wow!
The story is classic. A poor milk farmer with a house full of women in 1900 Russia tries to just get by. Whether maneuvering thru the old world, the changing world, and his daughters getting all lovey dovey with tailors, commies and a thug rather than accept arranged marriages, Tevye learns how to cope before the inevitable expulsion of Jews from the town.
Let me talk about the actor playing Tevye. I've seen a lot of great Broadway shows in my life, and a lot of great leads who dominate a show, but Israeli actor , Yehezkel Lazarov, may be the best I've ever seen. He is a wonder. A great driver of the story, he just makes you love him from the start. I was awed.
The rest of the cast is also fantastic. The story was captivating. The humor was spot on from start to finish. The set, especially the end with a barn that couldn't help remind you of a WWII death camp as the Jewish folk move on to various new lands and cities is simple yet complex.
If you get a chance, see it. If you're skeptical as we were, it delivers in a big way.
Mazeltov!
