"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
So we get a parody version of Tevye at last. Zero Mostel will turn around in his grave. But, actually, I am pretty sure, Harvey Fierstein will make the performance pretty unique. Well, if Fiddler still is on Broadway by then...
Has he ever played a straight man (movies or plays)?
"Smart! And into all those exotic mystiques -- The Kama Sutra and Chinese techniques. I hear she knows more than seventy-five. Call me tomorrow if you're still alive!"
Fierstein is naturally warm, lovable, and soft. Those qualities are wonderful for many roles but I wouldn't use those words to describe the role of Tevye.
He'll be wonderful. Give him a chance. Zero Mostel didn't exactly have a beautiful singing voice either. It's not about that.
Harvey has never been given a chance to do a "straight" role before - but if you pay attention to what he has done, you'll realize that he can play poignant and loving and funny all mixed up in one as well as almost anyone.
And hey, at least he's Jewish!
Have I ever shown you my Shattered Dreams box? It's in my Disappointment Closet. - Marge Simpson
I'm sure that he has thought of a way to make the songs work for his voice. He wouldn't have accepted the role if he thought he was going to embarass himself.
"Honey-
Men don't want one woman. Do the same thing. Date many men.
I DO! I am going through the exact same thing.
Don't over eat, instead date others.
You will be amazed how much fun it will be.
Also play hard to get.
Men are dogs honey.
DOGS!" - Corine2 10/29/04
Here's a tale producer Stewart Lane told when he faced criticism for the casting of Alfred Molina: “There is this producer who’s working on Hamlet. They’re looking high and low for the perfect Hamlet, but they can’t find anybody. Finally a Jewish man walks in (with a heavy Eastern European Jewish accent): ‘I vant to audition for Hamlet’. And they say to him: ‘Excuse me sir, but we’re looking for more traditional Hamlet.’ However he says: (heavy accent) ‘No. I vant to audition.’ ‘There’s not much of a chance’ they say, but he persists (heavy accent): ‘I vant to have a chance to audition for Hamlet, or I vill call the union.’ They look at each other – they haven’t found anybody yet –‘go ahead.’ So he gets up on the stage, and in perfect clean English he goes with the ‘to be or not to be’ speech, his voice is resounding… they’re amazed, their jaws drop, at the end they clap ‘Bravo, that was wonderful. How do you do that?’ and he goes (heavy accent): ‘vell, that’s acting.’