Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish Reviews

[RaisedOnMusicals]

Yiddish Fiddler opens tonight at Stage 42.

[SomethingPeculiar]

It's virtually the same cast that opened it originally downtown –– it seems unlikely that they'd re-review? Or has the production changed significantly since the downtown version?

[Miles2Go2]

I can’t imagine this being anything, but all raves!

[Miles2Go2]

New York Theater is positive with a few minor quibbles:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/newyorktheater.me/2019/02/21/fiddler-on-the-roof-in-yiddish-off-broadway-review-different-context-still-glorious/amp/

[Miles2Go2]

Hollywood Reporter is a rave:
 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.hollywoodreporter.com/amp/review/fiddler-on-the-roof-theater-1188813

[Miles2Go2]

A rave from Newsday:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.newsday.com/amp/entertainment/theater/fiddler-on-the-roof-yiddish-1.27501576

[EthelMae]

Great reviews. Not surprising after downtown reviews. Question now: will it now be impossible to get tickets full price or otherwise (Rush $30 at Today’s Tix) to this production. Love to read your thoughts!

[Samanthacq]

Has anyone tried the Todaytix rush yet? How is the seat? I'm hoping to sit somewhere close to the stage so I can read the subtitles. 

[RaisedOnMusicals]

Samanthacq said: "Has anyone tried the Todaytix rush yet? How is the seat? I'm hoping to sit somewhere close to the stage so I can read the subtitles."

It's actually much easier to read the subtitles if you aren't too close. The best seats start in Row I (it's stadium seating, no mezzanine or balcony) and go up 5-6 rows from there. But even in the very last row, you shouldn't have any trouble reading the titles. If you're too close, you have to look up to see them and you can be blocked by the actors on the stage.

 

[ilysespieces]

Samanthacq said: "Has anyone tried the Todaytix rush yet? How is the seat? I'm hoping to sit somewhere close to the stage so I can read the subtitles."

Got rush tickets on Tuesday, had row O on the aisle and had no issues reading the supertitles. I posted a picture of my seat on aviewfrommyseat.com and I think it was a great view and it was easy enough to read and watch the stage action at the same time. It's such a small theater I can't imagine you having an issue with any seat, honestly.

[Samanthacq]

Thank you for all your answers!

[WldKingdomHM]

Saw it last night for its opening. Beautiful show, and actors were great. Joel did an amazing job with the piece. This was my first Fiddler, and the show is such a bore. It can easily be a one act. Otherwise go it’s worth it for the actors and the brilliant direction

[dramamama611]

Exactly how is it a "bore"? It's been a beloved, world wide success for over 50 years...so exactly what bored you?

[GeorgeandDot]

Hamlet is such a bore. Should've been a one act.

[EthelMae]

OMG! Saw this tonight. This is my new Hello Dolly! I am going to go back and back. Just go. Sensational!

 

[CT2NYC]

Saw yesterday's matinee, and it really is a wonderful production. Unfussy, beautifully staged, and emotionally resonant. Steven Skybell's performance is EVERYTHING. That being said, the theatre was about 1/3-1/2 empty. I had bought one of the $59 side orchestra seats, L 16, and I was able to move to L 8 for Act 1, then moved to the front row for Act 2. The view from L 16 is below, and I thought it was excellent as a cheaper option. The supertitles are projected on the front panels, so, because of the lighting rig,  they would have to be read on the opposite side of the stage, which I didn't see as a problem. I really enjoyed Act 2 from the front row, since it's more intimate, with no big dance numbers, and I didn't have an issue with the supertitles from there, either.

[macnyc]

It's just such a big theater, I think it's hard to fill. At 499 seats, it's almost as large as the Hayes on Broadway. I was hoping the excellent reviews would have helped put butts in seats. But the show just extended, or at least opened up a new block of tickets, until early September, so I hope that means the producers aim to keep this going for a long time! I really loved it downtown and look forward to seeing it again. It's just an experience unlike any other. And that happens so rarely in a theatergoer's life.

[Miles2Go2]

macnyc, I also wonder if for the people who saw the previous run they felt this was not a must-see to see again. Kinda like Torch Song which did great off-Broadway but couldn’t fill a Broadway theater a year later. Then there’s the fact there was a recent Broadway revival (which didn’t recoup) making people think they don’t need to see this one (they’re wrong). Also, most revivals struggle to fill seats. Quite unfortunate. It’s a glorious production.

Regarding the announced extension, hopefully advance sales are strong. I know sometimes shows announce extensions to try to project the perception that a show is selling well even though it is not. Hopefully, that’s not what is happening here.

[uncageg]

They just extended to the 1st of September.

[Miles2Go2]

Fiddler is the best musical production of the 2018/2019 season (no shade to Kiss Me, Kate which I thoroughly enjoyed as well) so far. It just happens to be playing off-Broadway. In case my earlier post didn’t make it evident, I’m wishing Fiddler every success. Hopefully, people venture past their perceptions of revivals and off-Broadway in general and give this gem of a revival a shot.

[denali.fire]

So is a cast recording coming? I read it was but can't find anything but unavailable on websites.

[RaisedOnMusicals]

It's really too bad that the Times didn't re-review it. People who had no interest in seeing it in Battery Park and might not paid that much attention back then might have had their interest kindled by a NYT rave.

[uncageg]

denali.fire said: "So is a cast recording coming? I read it was but can't find anything but unavailable on websites. "

From what I have heard, one is coming.

 

[NYfanfromCA]

I saw this on Sunday 3/17 for the evening show via the TodayTix rush (my first one!).  It was a wonderful, beautiful production, and I would recommend it to everyone.  The performers put their hearts and souls into the show, and I felt so much emotion throughout the evening.  Loved the orchestra on the stage in the back, the lighting, the dancing, costumes, amazing voices, and touching story.  This show is truly special.  I'd see it again if I have any slots left during a future trip.

The space is nice, seats are comfortable with comfortable legroom (I'm 5'3" and it was roomy).  My seat was L 110, which was perfect since it was in the raked/stadium seats, so there were no heads in my way and it was pretty much centered.

The matchmaker (Jackie Hoffman) talked at the end about Broadway Cares and she was hilarious, especially when she said something like, "We know you have a choice in Yiddish musicals," and thanked us for coming.  They offered signed playbills or posters for a $20 donation.

[CarmenA3]

I attended the 92Y Talk with Joel Grey and some of the cast last night. It was excellent! The Y has published the talk in their archives:

https://www.92y.org/archives-fiddler-on-the-roof-yiddish-conversation-performances

Chuckle moment: I heard the ushers chatting afterwards, mentioning that someone left in a huff after Matchmaker b/c there were no supertitles and they didn't speak Yiddish! LOL