Theater in NYC: Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish at Stage 42

The best musical revival in every aspect, this dynamic production is a must see in New York City this year; playing until January 2020

The company of Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish (c); photo Matthew Murphy

The National Yiddish Theater Folksbiene’s production of Fiddler on the Roof performed in Yiddish reconnects the spectators with the past and reminds them about eternal tensions between new ideas and the traditional ways of life. Joel Grey’s production was initially-planned for a 6 week run at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in downtown Manhattan in the summer of 2018. This production experienced the sort of miracle akin to the Hanukkah oil lasting much longer than intended. After the original run was extended three times till the end of 2018, the musical was brought to commercial production at the Stage 42 Off-Broadway theater on February 2019. It is now scheduled to run until January 2020.

Jerry Bock’s familiar music combined with the genuine acting by the cast led by affable Steven Skybell as Tevye, Jennifer Babiak as Tevye’s unswerving wife Golde, Jackie Hoffman as a meddlesome matchmaker Yente, and a superb orchestral accompaniment recreate the life in Anatevke in the early 20th century Russian Empire.

Perhaps, because of the universally well-known songs and the engaging acting, one only realizes that the play is performed in Yiddish, the language spoken in poor shtetls of nowadays Ukraine, when the story is already in full swing. With the helpful subtitles in both English and Russian, everything quickly falls into place. The actors’ energy immediately takes the audience in, so that they become one close community sharing its collective heritage. Without trying to keep the emotions hidden, the audience celebrates, questions, and fights with Tevye, his family, and his neighbors. It is a rare gift of unity worth taking part in. Come see the company of The National Yiddish Theater Folsbiene recreating the timeless story of love, traditions, and change. Click below for tickets at 62% off starting from $45.

BUY TICKETS

Stay in the know about future events and offers by subscribing to ARTS-NY newsletter Subscribe

New musical drama about Edna St. Vincent Millay, author of the poem “Renascence”, gloriously staged by the Transport Group to the passionate music by Carmel Dean; at the Abrons Arts Center until November 17, 2018

A scene from Renascence with Danny Harris Kornfeld, Hannah Corneau, Mikaela Bennett / photo by Carol Rosegg

An inspiring musical performed by talented actors makes an exciting and enlightening debut at a welcoming Off-Off-Broadway Theater at the Abrons Arts Center. The book by Dick Scanlan about Edna St. Vincent Millay and her family is set to the lyrical and touching music score by Carmel Dean. The lyrics by Edna Millay are at the core of the musical convoluting the storyline and elevating its tensions at the same time.

With poetry being at the center at Millay’s family life, sisters and mother included, it brings refreshing vibes for the modern audience. And while the century that separates us from Millay’s time seems to lessen the public’s interest in poetry, the problems facing young poetess and women back then stay unchanged. The play, through its impressive acting and innovating staging, delivers a powerful message about a poetic talent and a young woman path to fame. Enjoy the story, the poetry, and the music!

Click here for tickets.

Tag: Musical