As the orchestra swells, a man in a red jacket crosses the empty stage—save for a solitary, wooden chair. He sits, opens a book, and begins to read: “A fiddler on the roof. Sounds crazy, no? But, here, in our little village of Anatevka, every one of us is a fiddler on the roof trying to scratch out a pleasant, simple tune without breaking his neck.” As he removes his jacket and closes the book, he transforms into the character of Tevye, a poor dairyman, eager to provide a better life for each of his five daughters through arranged marriages that allow them to increase their status.
While Fiddler on the Roof begins with a nod to the short stories by prominent Jewish author Sholem Aleichem that served as its source material, it will end with a heartbreaking, historical moment given new resonance in 2022.
Charming Tevye the Heart and Soul of Fiddler on the Roof
Over the course of Fiddler on the Roof’s two-hour and twenty-minute running time, Tevye, the central character of the musical serves as the protagonist, narrator, and tour guide of Anatevka. His comical asides and introductions help to orient audiences not just to the events and characters of the show, but also to Jewish customs and religious significance. Tevye and his family stand out against the dull, muted colors of backdrops that fly in and out to delineate various village settings, ensuring that the focus remains on Tevye and his family rather than any technical wizardry or fancy stagecraft.
It is hard to imagine what an actor stepping into the shoes of a role made famous by Zero Mostel might feel, but in the capable hands of performer Yehezkel Lazarov, you might just forget there was ever another notable performance. Brimming with warmth, wit, and broad facial expressions, Lazarov crafts a lovable character that audiences just can’t help but root for. At the same time, it’s these very characteristics—and the way they vanish under duress—that makes the story’s dramatic second act turn all the more impactful.
Broadway in Chicago Production Given New Resonance During this Historical Moment
Although the muted, sepia-toned costumes and scenic elements transport you to the early 1900s, Fiddler on the Roof, presented by Broadway in Chicago, offers insight into current talking points around family, tradition, progress, and Russian imperialism. These connections were underscored on opening night when Yehezkel Lazarov, quieted the audience at the curtain call to dedicate the performance to the refugees of Ukraine fighting for sovereignty against Russia. While a classic musical known for such popular songs as Matchmaker and If I Was a Rich Man, Fiddler on the Roof is as much a drama on enduring themes as it is an evening of musical theatre escapism.
