The Jews of New York » Fiddler on the Roof

In this clip, learn about Joseph Stein and Sheldon Harnick, the playwright and the lyricist of the quintessential Jewish American play. Both have impeccable show biz credentials dating back to the 1940’s – Stein was one of the first comedy writers on the legendary “Your Show of Shows” – and both are still remarkably active in the theater today. In this clip, they recall what it was like working with the astounding array of Jewish talent that converged on Manhattan in the heyday of the Broadway musical, and talk about the decision to create a play with overtly Jewish themes for a wide, mainstream audience. (In the mid sixties when the play opened, there were predictions it would flop because it was “too Jewish”). They also talk about how the play’s themes echo their own family histories.

19 responses

Harry W. Gluckman -- February 5th, 2008 at 1:43 pm

No matter how often……it still brings tears to my eyes……we have all lived in Annatevka most of our lives!…..

abraham mihalovich -- February 7th, 2008 at 5:40 am

Lovely enjoyed it Keep up the good work

Mario Rios Pinot -- February 7th, 2008 at 4:10 pm

I loved the whole show. It was honest and very interesting. Maybe a little too talky and not enough history esp. about the Sephardic Jews.

Laurie Friedman -- February 17th, 2008 at 10:13 pm

Saw “Fiddler” 3 times and would see it again if possible. I enjoyed the movie and loved the show.

robert lerner -- February 18th, 2008 at 11:48 pm

This was a wonderful production of the stories my grandparents told be about their lives in Russia before they came to America at the turn of the century(1900) Now my progeny will be able to remember too.

Rita Hirsh -- February 19th, 2008 at 11:24 pm

“FIDDLER ON THE ROOF” is, and always will be my #1 favorite
musical of all times. I have seen it 7 times and would see it
another 7 times, if not more. I loved it!!! I always check the
Entertainment section of daily newspaper looking for its return.
Thanks to all who made this wonderful production possible.

Rita Hirsh
Orange County,California

stan fleischer -- February 22nd, 2008 at 5:14 pm

as odd as it may sound i have loved fiddler ever since i saw it those many years ago. i have seen it 9 times and found it’s classicness crossed all boudries.the sadness and joy could be found it every ethnis corner of the globe. i would go see it today if it would be playing somewhere locally on any level.

Leonard Fahrer -- February 26th, 2008 at 10:01 pm

I have seen “Fiddler” several times each as a play and as a movie. It remains as fresh to me as if I were seeing it for the first time. The period of history it portrays is important because it caused my family to immigrate to America.

Henry Kaufer -- February 27th, 2008 at 9:13 am

My girlfriend and I went to see Fiddler the Saturday of the opening week in the 60’s . The music and the acting of this incredible work mesmerized us . When we left the theatre we could not stop talking about this”new musical” We married shortly after seeing it and have listened to the music on tape and CD as we travelled with our son who can sing all the lyrics to this day. We have seen the movie a couple of times and watched showings on TV . We also have seen a performance of the play at a theatre with Theodore Bikel but nothing can take the place of the original thrill of seeing the Fiddler on the ROof with Zero Mostel, Bea Arthur, and in the dance chorus , Bert Condi and the wornderful cast at that magical time of our lives.

Arlene Fine -- February 28th, 2008 at 9:36 am

I have seen both the play (several times)with different casts, and the movie, many times. I think this show touches the heart of all people, and that is why it is so loved.

Dr.Moe H.Cohen -- February 28th, 2008 at 3:01 pm

I am now approaching my 97th birthday(in 66 days) and I vividly remember taking my mother, then in her 70’s, to see “Fiddler”(she passed away at 93)as she tearfully recalled her youth in Europe in the 19th century. Many years later, after I had retired from practice I played the part of Mottel, the Tailor in our Condo’s rendition of Fiddler on the Roof(1984). What a joy that period was!!I even have the amateur video tape of the show to this day.

Don Horrow -- February 29th, 2008 at 5:16 pm

I have seen Fiddler (show and Movie) many times. And have enjoyed it more each time. JEWS around the world must feel a great deal pride,as I do) in the depiction of the struggles of Jews in all fazes of life. I do not attend Services regularly but I am a Jew and FIDDLER makes me proud of my Judaism–

Michele Rodri -- March 1st, 2008 at 3:38 am

This video brought such great memories…the Fiddler on the roof, is to me everything of the yiddish,wonderfull, so cherished flavor of our people, our heritage, to be save for ever…
Thank you.

Abe Schwadron -- March 2nd, 2008 at 5:07 pm

This show is something that will never be forgotten its a must
to see.The lyrics are fabulous.

Ivan Weisz -- March 6th, 2008 at 9:37 pm

I own and have seen the movie. My daughter Melissa played years ago in Parsippany NJ Playhouse as a member of the cast. Got to see how it was put together and all the performances. Still my very favorite of all shows.