31^st Festival Season - 2009

fiddler on the roof

Music by: Jerry Bock

Lyrics by: Sheldon Harnick

Book by: Joseph Stein

In the small Russian village of Anatevka, a violinist perches perilously on the roof of the home of Tevye, the milkman. The fiddler scratches out a tune, just as the Jewish people of Anatevka scratch out a living under perilous conditions. Only one asset sustains them – their tradition. Tevye works hard to provide for his wife, Golde, and their five daughters. He envisions for his oldest daughter Tzeitel a scholarly husband, with whom he can discuss the scriptures. Yente, the matchmaker, however, has other plans for Tzeitel – a match with the rich and widowed butcher, Lazar Wolf. Tzeitel has her own sights set on her childhood friend, the penniless tailor Motel Kamzoil, who eventually summons the courage to ask Tevye for Tzeitel’s hand. Adamantly refusing at first, Tevye finally relents when he sees the love in Tzeitel’s eyes. The revolutionary university student, Perchik, engaged to teach the bible to Tevye’s children in exchange for food, makes a positive impression on second daughter Hodel. Tevye, meanwhile, has been informed by the local constable that there must be some anti-Jewish demonstrations in the area. His immediate concern, however, is how to break the news to Golde that he has given his blessing to Tzeitel and Motel. He cunningly relates to her his dream in which Golde’s grandmother has risen from the grave and insisted that Tzeitel marry Motel. In her support, there appears the apparition of Fruma-Sarah, the butcher’s deceased wife, who threatens revenge on Tzeitel should she take her place as Lazar’s wife. The frightened Golde has no choice but to agree that a marriage between Tzeitel and Lazar is impossible. The act ends as the joyous wedding celebration of Tzeitel and Motel is interrupted by a band of Russian soldiers, carrying out the threatened demonstration.

Perchik professes his love for Hodel as he tells her that he must return to the city to further his political causes. In a break with tradition, he does not ask Tevye’s permission to marry Hodel, but only for his blessing. Some time later, news reaches Anatevka that Perchik has been arrested for his political activities and sent to Siberia – Hodel must go to him, but promises her father that they will be married properly as soon as Perchik is freed. When third daughter Chava announces her intention to marry outside the faith – to the Russian Fyedka – Teyve is incensed and will not be swayed; from that day on, Chava is dead to him. The final blow to life in Anatevka comes with the news that all Jews must leave the village. As they leave – some for America, some for other destinations in Europe – Tevye beckons the fiddler on the roof to follow. Wherever life might lead the displaced villagers, the fiddler will forever be with them.