BWW Q&A: Noa Barenblat Talks FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Asolo Repertory Theatre
The New York-based actress takes on the role of Hodel in Asolo Repertory Theatre's bold actor-musician production of the beloved classic.
Asolo Repertory Theatre is presenting a fresh take on the beloved musical FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, with a company of actor-musicians bringing the world of Anatevka to life through both performance and live music-making on stage.
Stepping into the role of Hodel is Noa Luz Barenblat, a New York-based actress and Baldwin Wallace Conservatory graduate whose previous credits include the First National Tour of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, the Off-Broadway production of THE ART TOUR, PIPE DREAM at Berkshire Theatre Group, and NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 at the Shanghai Grand Theatre. In this production, Barenblat plays guitar in addition to taking on Hodel's emotionally powerful journey.
With a book by Joseph Stein, music by Jerry Bock, and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF explores themes of tradition, change, and identity through the story of Tevye, his family, and the villagers of Anatevka.
BroadwayWorld spoke with Barenblat about the unique actor-musician approach, her personal family connection to the story, and what makes this Asolo Rep production stand apart from other stagings of the classic.
What drew you to the role of Hodel in this production of Fiddler on the Roof at Asolo Rep?
There's so much to love about Hodel; she is bold, independent, and incredibly brave. She often leads with intelligence, but she also has an enormous heart. Her scenework in 'Fiddler' is brilliantly written, full of nuance and layers to explore, so it's a thrill to get the opportunity to dig into her storyline. This production weaves in the actor/musician element as well, which I had never seen done before with 'Fiddler.' I knew that getting to take on a role this rich, while also being part of the music-making (I play guitar in the show as well), would be a really rare and special opportunity.
How has working at Asolo Repertory Theatre shaped your approach to bringing Hodel to life in this production?
From the get-go, our rehearsal room felt incredibly supportive; the trust between everyone in the space really allowed for openness, creative collaboration, and playfulness - I felt very free to explore Hodel’s many different facets. We also for the most part staged the show chronologically, which allowed us to live in each scene for a bit and then naturally progress to the next; it was really grounding to feel Hodel’s through-line strengthen as we progressed further and further into rehearsals.
Can you walk us through what the rehearsal process has been like at Asolo Rep for this production of Fiddler on the Roof?
It was a fascinating and exhilarating process. We spent just under four weeks in the rehearsal hall before moving onto the stage for tech rehearsals and previews. In the former half, our days were often a jigsaw puzzle of music rehearsals, choreography and staging (in our production, if we aren't singing or acting in a scene, we're probably playing in it!); and then of course, discovering how to stitch all those elements together. It was intense and required a lot of focus and preparation; it was also the most fun I've ever had building a show.
Having experience with Fiddler on the Roof from the First National Tour, what do you feel makes this Asolo Rep production distinctly its own?
I am extremely lucky to have been a part of two truly phenomenal productions of 'Fiddler,' each beautifully and carefully crafted, and unique in their own ways. The most obvious distinct element of our production at Asolo is that all the actors on stage are also playing instruments. We spoke in rehearsals about the idea that a shtetl such as Anatevka would have been quite self-sufficient, so making our own music feels like a natural extension of that way of life. It creates a beautiful spirit of the town on stage. This production at Asolo also certainly shines in its individuality thanks to the vision and heart of our incredible creative team and superb designers, who have given our Anatevka such vibrancy. It really is a feast for the eyes and ears!
Hodel has one of the most emotionally powerful journeys in the show — how do you personally connect with her story in this production?
I find my connection to Hodel's story in many ways; her closeness to her family and culture, her passion for her beliefs, her receptiveness to change, and the tenacity she has to pursue the life and the love that she wants. I also feel a magnetism toward the ‘Fiddler’ story at large because of my own family history; I have Jewish ancestors who came from a similar shtetl as is depicted in our show, in the same part of the world, and immigrated to America around the same time as our story is set. Knowing that my family's experience was not far off from the villagers of Anatevka makes this show all the more special to me.
Fiddler on the Roof deals with themes of tradition, change, and identity — how do you feel those themes speak to today's audiences?
Though the show was written in the '60s, and is set in 1905, the themes in 'Fiddler' are universal and span across cultures, religions, and generations. It's one of the reasons this show is so beloved: we can all see ourselves in these characters, in one way or another. What the show does so effectively is to present many different perspectives; whether you resonate most with Tevye and Golde, or with the daughters and/or their suitors, there's always a point of connection to be found in watching these characters navigate the balancing act of tradition and change, family dynamics, autonomy and community, love, and more.
Why must audiences come and see the show?
This is a production of 'Fiddler' like you've never seen it before - with a company of actor/musicians on stage, you'll see the story told in a way that brings communal spirit and a sense of ensemble to a whole new level. The talent, commitment, and passion of this company and the whole team here at Asolo Rep is extraordinary. We are having such a blast sharing this show with our audiences - we hope to see you at the theatre!
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