Fiddler on the Roof Previews — Page 19

SmokeyLady said: "I saw this Tuesday night and was underwhelmed. Danny has his charm but I found his Tevye to be dull. The rest of the cast is serviceable. I particularly disliked the Golde. The set is so ugly and simple that it didn't register with me one way or the other. I found the framing device odd. Shall we create a new Tony Award category for the stage hands? I have always found Fiddler to be one of those surefire shows. Not this production. It all felt so diluted. The theater is gorgeous. The Wiz was the first show I ever saw at The Broadway Theater.

"

SKIMBLESHANKS2 I felt the same as you did about this musical. A new revival that looked tired already.

JayG 2 said: "just "When I returned (to 20th Century) about six weeks after the opening all was different. It was a total joy and the audience was so into it that they sang along during the "I have written a play" scenes and at curtain call all (well, 90%) of the audience leaped to its feet not just applauding but cheering."

Of course, it was different. The reviews were out and they were generally wonderful. Therefore, the audience had to concur. Lemmings!!!

If you're going to be cynical, at least try to be original. Lemmings has been done to death.

I don't understand the thinking that because the last production of the show 30 years ago was total perfection, it does not need to be revived again. Since we can't see the thirty year old production, or even a recording of it, those who were unable to see the 30 year old production would never be able to see the show at all.

No course but to revive it and hope that lightning strikes twice.

SmokeyLady said: "All for the love of theater. My only regret is the waste of evening."

Oh well, too bad it didn't land for you. I'm still torn on using a big Audience Rewards redemption on this or Color Purple. Both seem very mixed as far as reaction so far...

I'm still torn on using a big Audience Rewards redemption on this or Color Purple. Both seem very mixed as far as reaction so far...

I loved them both. Both are well worth your time and Audience Rewards.

Hey Big Baloney

You told the Mrs when you spoke to her this morning about the set and how underwhelmed you were by the show. Looks like many are agreeing with you. Had no intention of seeing it anyway so it looks like no big deal. When Burstein does not get universal raves, you know there is trouble in River City. This may be a case of another old musical being done once to often.

The theater is indeed to big for a show like Fiddler.

Got tickets for Row N, thanks for tip about the overhang (it starts at Row O for anyone interested).

As they say, let the games begin.

Does this solidify that Sher only works within the frames of a non-profit?

I liked the bus stop.

Let's just wait and see what the critics think.

Pity they cut the depot bench and signal post from the pre show-- I liked that set piece just as much as when I saw it in the movie 45 years ago. God forbid the audience has to stare at that ugly white brick wall by itself now.

Broadwaystar2 said: "Jeffrey Karasarides said: "Let's just wait and see what the critics think."

It seems as if the critics are already speaking."

Please keep in mind that the critics can sometimes outsmart the posters here (Aladdin, Les Miserables, An American in Paris, etc.)

I saw a lovely production of Fiddler up at Stratford Ontario a few years ago directed and choreographed by Donna Feore. (She also did a fine job with Crazy for You and The Sound of Music.) Fiddler up there worked perfectly in their Festival Theater and you felt very close to the actors and could get wrapped up in the story.
The whole cast was strong in terms of dancing and singing.

I don't know why I can't excited about this new production. Partly because I'm not exactly the biggest Burstein fan and I don't think Hecht is cast well as Golde. I'm going to wait until January when theater goers lessen after the holdiay.