Fiddler on the Roof Previews — Page 20

Someone in a Tree2 said: "^ Sorry, Jeffrey, I'm confused by your post.

Do you mean that if posters here dislike a show that critics like, and the public makes the show a hit, that means the critics are smarter than the posters? "

If you go back and read the preview threads for An American in Paris, the reactions there were very mixed...https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.php?thread=1081309#4644675

But when it officially opened, many posters were surprised at all the praise it was getting from the critics...https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.php?thread=1082203&page=1

Will have to echo what a lot of people are already saying. This whole production is a big "meh..." It's terrific to see one of our greatest musical theater performers tackle an iconic role, but this could have been done in a concert version at Carnegie Hall or Lincoln Center. Other than Danny, who gives an understated but funny and genuine performance, there's no reason whatsoever for this new version to exist. The set is indeed ugly, unimaginative and unwieldy. And watching actors and stage hands moving tables and trees is infuriating. At $142 bucks a pop I want to see some stagecraft, some magic. Perhaps that's the biggest letdown of this production: there's no poetry, either in the look of the show, or the presentation. Everything is very real, very drab, very dull. I do welcome the lack of schtick, but not the lack of style. The framing device is misguided and confusing; we'll see how long it lasts, as I have it on good authority that Sheldon Harnick hates it with a vengeance. I will say this, and lightning may strike me for it: The choreography is fantastic. Inventive, energetic and beautiful to watch. I didn't miss the Robbins at all.

I thought the fiddler flying was pretty magical. Not surprised that Harnick hates the framing device. It was a huge red flag when I heard people talking about it but I didn't mind it when I saw the show. The idea is good but the execution isn't.

Cannot wait for critics reviews also. I have read all of these comments and seeing it Tuesday nite. One thing for sure, not going to check any shows I am seeing.

i never got a great feeling about Jessica Hechy playing Golda. I always wanted Mandy Patinkin as Teveye! He would be my favourite.

Patinkin, of whom I'm not a big fan, would have at least given this production the larger than life star power it lacks. It's been directed as an ensemble piece, which it's never been. Agreed that Alix Korey's understated Yente is welcome. She's always been a wacka wacka kind of performer, but here she's terrific and much more "real" than I would have thought her capable of.

Does anyone know what the current running time is? Someone who works there told me the curtain didn't go down until 11:20 at the first preview. Have they shortened it?

I was at Saturday's matinee. . I agree the Framing of the red coat does not work but I think this is a fresh production of a traditional musical that is well known. Like other Barlett Sher productions, i think that the set design with so many scene changes Vs. King and I and South Pacific, was done masterfully. The use of lighting to accentuate when the characters are struggling eg. Tevye looking at Hodel and Perchik's engagement, and I loved the dream sequence. I thought the use of this huge stage ( and the theater is too big) was delightful. The wedding scene had you really engaged that you were at the wedding. The choreography is outstanding. Jessica Hecht would not have been my first casting choice, but at least she pronounces Chava correctly. This is not the movie version of Fiddler, Danny Berstein is not Topol. I think the majority of the criticism will be about his Tevye because of the movie. The scene with Chava is well staged. I loved the set and use of lights. It is flawed but I think compared to the Harvey Feirstein Rosie ODonnell version of Fiddler, this is a winner. It will draw a huge nostaglic audience.

Saturday there was a wide age range, grandparents, parents taking children. There was a child who could not sit still or be quiet. There were picture takers with no flash as there was no annoucenment. so it may bring new people to the theater.. I am recommending this Fiddler to my friends. I loved what Sher did with it without messing with "tradition".

sdgold60 said "I think the majority of the criticism will be about his Tevye because of the movie."

I disagree. The movie is well-known, but Fiddler is a classic and has been done a lot over the years. I'm guessing most audiences will go in having already seen other Tevye's in addition to Topol.

We saw Sunday's matinee and I honestly can't remember ever being so moved by Fiddler on the Roof. Sher has directed a stark, incredibly moving and honest production. It's not our grandparent's Fiddler. But that's good. I cried for three hours straight. It's an astonishing production in its ability to look at this treasured material and make it seem as important as ever. It's not cartoony or clownish. They don't sidestep difficult moments. They just went for honest and I was quite moved by that.
Is it perfect? For me, almost. I have a quibble that I'll mention in a minute.
I've seen Burstein in several shows now (5?) and I found his Tevye to be subtle and kind of brilliant. And very funny. But he's funny in the right places and in the right way. He is giving a gorgeous performance.
Jessica Hecht is also giving a lovely performance. An honest performance that is subtle and unexpected. Also wonderful are Adam Kantor and the three main daughters. I especially liked Melanie Moore's touching Chava. The choreography is inspired and thrilling. Who is that guy??? Amazing work. Athletic and sexy dancing.
I have a few quibbles. I don't understand why the show takes place in a brick box. Just created the wrong feel to me. At least the lighting was, for the most part, excellent and hid the walls well. And the framing device is a great idea, that hasn't worked itself out yet. It reads more confusing and doesn't help the show start off well. I got it by the end and was really moved by it. But the first half felt tacked on and confused my husband and I.
I was truly blown away by this Fiddler on the Roof and I never expected to be. Wept like a baby. Of course we all know the script and score by heart, but to see and hear these songs and words being played so honestly, made me weep with joy.

His Tevye is glorious. And he's very funny. But he's also subtle and beautiful.

PS. I've seen many Tevye's. Yes, I'm older than you probably. Lipson was not over the top at all. Mostel was. Ridiculously so. He was talking to the musicians in the pit and even threw things into the pit when I saw the show. Topol was stoic and not funny. All valid.

My point is, all were very different. Did you really see these performances or are you assuming they were all big and funny? They were not.

I was blown away by this production. I'm glad you're keeping an open mind. My quibbles are listed above in my opinion above yours. This is truly a Fiddler I'll remember for a long, long time.

Updated On: 12/9/15 at 12:41 AM

I am replying not to this message, just saying I spent 3 of the most magical hours watching this extrodinary production of Fiddler. I didn't notice framing or stage hands or anything else most have you mentioned. Considering I sat in the 3 rd aisle centre orchestra nothing bothered me. Not even Danny's jacket. He was wonderful along with Adam Kantor and Ben Rappaport.

i was curious about Jessica Hecht. She might be a too pretty for a Golde, but she was very good. The sets, fabulous choreography was amazing.

A audience very taken by Fiddler tonight. Three hours flew by

Same for me, in my car by 11 05

Saw the production last night. The framing device seems to have been cut down. It's just Danny in a red jacket at the end and the beginning. It's almost not enough of a device to have a point.

I did not see any stagehands moving set pieces. I would guess that's been cut (I haven't read this whole thread.)

Danny was brilliant & everyone else was perfectly good. Except Alix Korey, who is just not good at all. She is in a different show than everyone else. Not sure what Bart is thinking letting her do that.

That said, it wasn't exceptional. It was a perfectly serviceable production of Fiddler. No magic, no re-examination of the show. At least not for me.