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The Tony Award nominated Broadway revival of Fiddler on the Roof is running in the DC debut at National Theatre through December 15. This classic musical covers universal themes of love and family as the dairyman Tevye, and his family, navigate relationships and Jewish life in Tsarist Russia in 1905. I have heard the songs, but never seen the show and I loved it! The iconic songs are beautifully performed. Even though this more modern production is more subdued than the original, the sets, costumes and choreography brought the characters to life in a timeless fashion. There are many parallels to current issues including immigrants, religion and politics. The portrayal of Orthodox life is combined with Yiddish humor.
Tevye, played by Yehezkel Lazarov, is a loving father who portrays the strife in navigating parenting within the confines of society. We can relate to Tevye when he sings “look at my daughter’s eyes” and can’t help but melt to see his fatherly love expressed through his acceptance of their choices. The idea that our children will always be different and change tradition is universal. The relationships between his daughters and their loves were beautifully performed. Moseltov to the whole cast for their performances!
During the wedding of his oldest daughter to a tailor, Tevye sings “I don’t remember growing older, when did they?”. As a Mom I am constantly asking myself the same question! The parental sentiment of the wedding is quickly upstaged by the utterly amazing bottle dance. I am in disbelief that the bottles were not somehow attached to their hats using some sort of theatre magic.
Although the performance ends on a somber note with the evacuation of Anatevka and the families marching with all of their belongings, the curtain call ends with a lively cast dance.
The local D.C. bakery Baked by Yael provived the challah that appeared onstage during Sabath. This natural partnership between the former lawyer Yael Krigman and The Fiddler on the Roof adds some DC charm. The challah bread looked delicious and my only complaint was that it was not for sale at intermission.
Fiddler on the Roof at National Theatre is a great parents night out or date night! Make sure you get your tickets before the sun sets on this Broadway revival of Fiddler on the Roof.
Running Time: 2 hours 55 minutes, including one intermission. Recommended for ages 8 and up.
Fiddler on the Roof opens December 10 and plays through December 15, 2019, at the National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC. Purchase tickets at the box office, over the phone at 1-800-514-3849 or online.
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