saw tonight's Yiddler. wow.
ive seen two broadway productions of this, and grew up on the movie (and with relatives who were born/raised in Yiddish...) and i expected this to be a fine production with an interesting angle/shtick in that they were talking in Yiddish.
but it was brilliant. all the awards to Joel Grey for creating such an authentic production- there were little moments here and there that are probably lost on many theatergoers but spring right out of orthodox judaism in such an organic, natural way. It somehow flew by, even though they didnt cut a single word.
i was disappointed that jackie hoffman sorta faded into the background for me, but i dont think thats a slight against her- Steven Skybell and Jennifer Babiak are giving such full, perfect performances, its hard to focus anywhere else. Skybell was heartbreaking and charming from the jump, and didnt stop for one second for three full hours. There were certain numbers that they didnt really stage much (Do You Love Me, Far from the Home I Love) but the actors elevated the material in ways i was simply not expecting. I was really speechless at multiple points throughout the evening.
theater was full, though not entirely. not sure why they arent offering this show on TDF or discounts on TodayTix or what not. but i certainly recommend seeing it. I didnt mind the 2004 revival, and enjoyed many pieces of the 2015 one, but this is such a great lesson that simplicity and authenticity can outshine big, expensive productions when done right. again, all the awards for Grey and Skybell.
, back in 1966 or '67.
