The musical “Fiddler on the Roof” may be best known for songs such as “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Matchmaker” and “Sunrise, Sunset.” But based on the recent protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement, it may also be timely, telling the story of Tevye and his family who live in a community increasingly infringed upon by powerful authorities.
Set in Russia in 1905, the Jewish village of Anatevka is one where everyone knows each other and matchmaking marriages are practically a sport. And Tevye, a humble milkman, has three daughters of marriageable age.
Sean Gray, producing artistic director for the Playhouse, said the show is not only one that audiences love, but “speaks to the need for community during trying times.”
“Gregory Cohen, the director, is Jewish and said he recognizes ‘Fiddler’ is not just a story of his people, but about standing against hate,” Gray said. “And recognizing the most effective tool for surviving is family, whether it’s the one in which we were born or the one we’ve created for ourselves.”
Cohen notes in the playbill that by spending time in the village of Anatevka, audiences are now part of the Playhouse family, and he advises them to take the lessons of the show into their daily lives.
All the songs help immerse audiences in the setting and the story, portraying tension not only between the villagers and larger governmental authorities — represented in the play by a Russian constable and his men — but also between tradition and more modern ways, especially when it comes to love.
“Each song moves the story forward,” said Madison Mooney, executive director for the Playhouse. “We hear the daughters longing for a man to love, and we hear Tevye’s pain in watching beloved traditions seemingly swept aside. There’s a reason the show has remained popular for so long.”
First performed on Broadway in 1964, the musical — with music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and book by Joseph Stein — won 9 of the 10 Tony Awards for which it was nominated.
It’s also filled with humor, especially from the sympathetic Tevye, who tries to live his life by the proverbs of his holy book — whether they are actually in there or not — and his own logical judgment, often weighing “on the one hand” against the other. He’s also a sucker for his daughters’ happiness.
Partially sponsored by the Port of Long Beach, the production features 25 actors, with choreography by Kysa Cohen and music direction by Stephen Olear.
“It’s hard to think of a show with music more familiar than this one,” said Mooney. “Who isn’t going to sing along?”
“Fiddler on the Roof” will perform June 28 to Aug. 3 at Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., with shows Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Two lower-priced preview shows are available Thursday, June 26 and Friday, June 27. Tickets range from $20 to $30 and can be purchased by calling the box office at 562-494-1014 or visiting lbplayhouse.org. Free parking is available in the theater’s rear lot.