Fiddler on the Roof (1977)
Performances
November 18-19, 24-27 & December 1-4, 8-10, 1977
Venue
Community Players Theatre
Synopsis
“Fiddler on the Roof” was the winner of 9 Tony awards when it debuted in 1964. Set in the little village of Anatevka, the story centers on Tevye, a poor dairyman and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill them with traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia. Rich in historical and ethnic detail, Fiddler On The Roof’s universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy, and sadness.
Based on Sholem Aleichen stories by special permission of Arnold Perl
Book by Joseph Stein
Music by Jerry Bock
Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick
Produced on the New York Stage by Harold Prince
Original New York Stage Production directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins
Historian’s Corner
“Fiddler on the Roof” ran for 13 performances including Thanksgiving evening (which sold out). This was the first time in Players’ history that a show had been scheduled on a holiday. It had been announced at a board meeting before the opening of the box office that four shows had already sold out. “Fiddler on the Roof” had a cast of 37 and an orchestra of 16. This was the first time that “Fiddler on the Roof” had been performed at Players; it has since been revived two times. Even with the higher cost for this musical production, the show made a profit of $3,000. The other show of the season thus far had made an $800.00 profit, making it what would be the most successful play of the season.