Theater News

Joel Grey-Directed Yiddish Fiddler on the Roof Extends

The production stars Jackie Hoffman, Steven Skybell, and more.

A scene from The National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene production of Fiddler on the Roof.
A scene from the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene production of Fiddler on the Roof.
(© Victor Nechay)

The National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene has announced a fall extension for the American premiere of the Yiddish language Fiddler on the Roof. Originally announced to play through August 26, the production, which opened on July 15, will now play through October 25. The production will continue its run at the Museum of Jewish Heritage with an updated performance schedule that includes Saturday evening performances.

Directed by Joel Grey, Fiddler on the Roof is executive-produced by Chris Massimine. Sheldon Harnick, the musical's lyricist, and Harold Prince, the musical's original director, serve as consultants on the project.

Featuring a book by Joseph Stein and a score by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, Fiddler on the Roof is inspired by Sholem Alecheim's stories of the milkman Tevye, who tries to hold on to "tradition" as the world around him and his family in the little village of Anatevka changes. The Yiddish translation was crafted by Israeli actor-director Shraga Friedman in 1965 and made its world premiere in Israel more than 50 years ago.

Steven Skybell leads the cast as Tevye alongside Jackie Hoffman as Yente and Jennifer Babiak as Golde. They are joined by Rachel Zatcoff as Tsaytl, Stephanie Lynne Mason as Hodel, Rosie Jo Neddy as Chava, Ben Liebert as Motel, Cameron Johnson as Fyedka, Daniel Kahn as Perchik, Bruce Sabath as Leyzer-Volf, Jodi Snyder as Fruma-Sarah, Kirk Geritano as Avram, Samantha Hahn as Bielke, Raquel Nobile as Shprintze, Lauren Jeanne Thomas as the Fiddler, Bobby Underwood as the Constable, Michael Yashinsky as Mordcha, Lisa Fishman as Grandma Tsaytl, Joanne Borts as Sheyndl, Josh Dunn as Chaim, Michael Einav in the ensemble, Evan Mayer as Sasha, Nick Raynor as Yussel, Kayleen Seidl in the ensemble, Adam Shapiro as Rabbi, and James Monroe Števko as Mendel.

The production features scenic design by Beowulf Boritt, costume design by Ann Hould-Ward, choreography by Staś Kmieć, lighting design by Peter Kaczorowski, sound design by Dan Moses Schreier, hair and wig design Tom Watson, and musical direction and conducting by Zalmen Mlotek. The creative team also includes Merete Muenter (assistant choreographer) and Matthew (Motl) Didner (assistant director).