I had the pleasure of taking my daughter to see Fiddler on the Roof. The story of Fiddler of the Roof is one that is based on tradition. In the small town of Anatevka in 1905 the men work, the women and daughters stay home to take care of the house, marriages are arranged, and everyone must keep their heads covered. Such traditions have been a way of life for generations.
Marriages are arranged by the Matchmaker. She has found what she thinks is a suitable husband for Tevye's eldest daughter, Tzeitel. The town butcher. He is wealthy, owns his house, and Tzeitel will be well cared for and therefor happy for the rest of her life. Tevye, being a poor milkman thinks this will be a wonderful arrangement for his daughter. Tzeitel is not happy with this decision. She has fallen in love with the tailor, Motel. Together Motel and Tzeitel convince Tevye they should be married. The may not have money, but even a poor tailor deserves to be happy.
Tevye struggles with this decision because it goes against what he believes. As the story goes on, you can see Tevye beginning to change. He continues to hold his religion close to his heart, but he also opens up to new ideas, some of which are brought to light by an outsider, Perchik, whom he welcomed into his home.
We watch Tevye continue to struggle when his second eldest daughter asks for him to bless her engagement to Perchik. Tevye knows this also goes against his belief, but he can see the joy in his daughter's eyes when she is with Perchik. However, Tevye refuses to give his blessing to his third daughter. Not only has she chosen her own husband, but she has chosen someone outside of their religion.
Tevye shuns her and proclaims she is dead to the family. As the family struggles with this, they are informed by the Constable that they must leave town. They have 3 days to pack or sell their belongings. The Revolution is heating up and many towns, mostly Jewish are told to leave.
Watching Tevye and his family pack their belongings in his milk cart is bittersweet. The audience is left hoping the villagers will find a better life in another town or another country, but you could feel their pain watching them say their good-byes to friends and their homes. Being forced out of their homes is why, says Tevye, everyone must always wear something on their heads.
If you have the chance, I would definitely recommend seeing Fiddler on the Roof. Not only did I enjoy it, but my daughter, who is 10, absolutely loved it. The musical is rated G, but I wouldn't recommend it for children younger than 10. It is 3 hours long, and that can be a long time to sit for anyone.
Performance Dates and Times:
July 17, 2012 8:00 pm
July 18, 2012 8:00 pm
July 19, 2012 8:00 pm
July 20, 2012 8:00 pm
July 21, 2012 2:00 pm
July 21, 2012 8:00 pm
July 22, 2012 2:00 pm
Tickets range from $10 - $65.75 and are available online at PittsburghCLO.org, by calling 412-456-6666 or at the Box Office at Theater Square. Groups of 10 or more can call the Group Sales Hotline at 412-325-1582 to learn more about special discounts, priority seating and corporate discounts. Visit pittsburghCLO.org for more information.
As a Mac Kid Subscriber, you are eligible for a $5 discount!! Just click HERE to purchase your tickets! (Discount will already be applied only by using the above link. For those tickets purchased directly off the site, use code word 'Macaroni').
