THE HANGOVER REPORT – National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene’s distilled, authentic FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is better than ever

Steven Skybell in National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene's production of "Fiddler on the Roof" at Stage 42. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Steven Skybell in National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof” at Stage 42. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Last week, I had the chance to revisit National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene’s production of Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock’s classic musical Fiddler on the Roof at Stage 42, where it has recently transferred for a commercial run. I had previously seen the unlikely hit production, which is most notable for being translated into and performed in Yiddish, when it premiered at the Museum of Jewish Heritage last summer.

I’m happy to report that the production is stronger than I remember it being. Although its spare design elements are the same (courtesy of sought-after set designer Beowulf Boritt), the physical production has been noticeably blown up to fill Stage 42’s larger dimensions, resulting in a stage picture that’s more striking than ever. As for the distilled staging by celebrated Broadway legend Joel Grey, it’s more polished and focused, as well. This Fiddler on the Roof is a unique triumph, stripping the material of its “musical theater” aesthetic, leaving behind the most genuine version of the musical – both culturally and emotionally – I’ve yet seen. But make no mistake, National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene’s Fiddler is still very much the musical we all know and love.

In the iconic role of Tevye, Steven Skybell continues to deliver a sturdy, heartfelt performance that eschews the role of its trademark grandiosity (the role was originated, after all, by none other than the larger-than-life Zero Mostel). Mr. Skybell’s Tevye registers more like an “everyman”, and therefore the character’s considerable journey becomes an intimate one, and comparable to our own. The rest of the of the company – which includes Jennifer Babiak (new to the production) as a lovely, unfussy Golde and Jackie Hoffman (one of Broadway’s funniest actresses) as an effectively downplayed Yente – winningly embrace the show with warmth, vibrancy, and authenticity.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

 

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
Off-Broadway, Musical
National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene at Stage 42
2 hours, 50 minutes (with one intermission)
Through September 1

Categories: Off-Broadway, Theater

Leave a Reply