Harvey Fierstein Replacing Topol in Fiddler Tour?- Page 3

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 11/12/09 at 3:05pm

I saw the tour last night in Boston and had mixed feelings about the production.

I thought Topol did a fine job. He mumbled a lot. Sometimes it worked, other times it didn't. I was surprised at the amount of energy he has for a guy in his 70s. Especially during some of the dance scenes, he was jumping around and kicking his legs.

After seeing Topol's portrayal, I am really curious to see someone who hasn't played the role for years.

In terms of the production as a whole, I thought it dragged at many parts. We were in the theater for three hours including intermission.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 11/12/09 at 8:14pm

I must confess I saw Harvey play the role and I remember almost nothing about it. Maybe I was drinking that night.

[DAME]

Posted: 11/12/09 at 9:09pm

Topol has been a nightmare for most involved with this tour and I bet the company is just overwhelmed with joy.

[bonbon]

Posted: 11/15/09 at 1:12pm

I, for one, am super psyched. Fiddler was here in Dallas last May, and now it's in Fort Worth next March. I was already going to go see Topol again, but now I feel like I get a special treat! Topol was excellent, but I've always wanted to see Harvey live. Also, I hope Topol gets well soon!

[provocation]

Posted: 11/15/09 at 3:13pm

millie, I feel you. I saw the production with Topol in Los Angeles and thought the three hour running time was ridiculous.

Topol was great. Then again, I don't follow Fiddler and its numerous productions.

[SweeneyPhanatic]

Posted: 11/15/09 at 7:31pm

Well, s**t.

I mean, I'll be excited to see Harvey when the tour comes to GA, but I was really looking forward to seeing Topol. "Fiddler" was the first show I ever did (in the 8th grade), and I got to play Tevye my senior year of high school. The show holds a very special place in my heart, and Tevye is one role I would really love to play professionally one day (you know, in another 20 years or so). The chance to see (in my opinion) THE Tevye, live, was very exciting for me. I hope he heals up quickly.

As for Harvey, I know he's gonna act the crap out of the role. I just hope his vocals don't kill the show.

[blaxx]

Posted: 11/16/09 at 4:46am

I'm confused. Is Harvey only doing Toronto?

This makes it sound like he'd take over for the whole tour starting in Toronto, but I just read a press release that Theodore Bikel will take over Topol, at least for Western Canada.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 11/16/09 at 10:17am

The way it reads it seems that Harvey is only doing Toronto. Fiddler is in Buffalo this week and we are getting the standby, who seems very good based on his bio.

[blaxx]

Posted: 11/16/09 at 2:37pm

Oh, a lot of people in this thread seem to have the impression that Harvey was doing the whole tour.