Siberia 1905

Dialogue with Three Chords (D3C) continues their first post-pandemic, in-person season of plays, 'Fragments Against Ruins,' featuring plays inspired by public domain works.'The Spirit of 1905' and 'Our Ways Are Not Your Ways' are written by Stephen Gracia and directed by Michael LoPorto and presented at 8:00 pm on Thursday, March 23, at Von Bar on 3 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10012.

This past Hanukkah I witnessed a kind of miracle in modern times: Toho Stage's Fiddler on the Roof, performed in Japanese by an all Asian company. The quintessential Jewish musical set in Imperial Russia in 1905 is based on Tevye and his Daughters and other tales by Sholem Aleichem about a poor dairyman's attempts to maintain his cultural and religious traditions in a changing world.

Set during a period of great turmoil just prior to the Russian revolution (1905), FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is a joyous celebration of life in times of uncertainty. Most versions I've seen have been scaled down considerably, focusing on the more intimate scenes. That's certainly not the case here. The MUNY's spectacular production gives us the full breadth and scope of Joseph Stein, Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock's thoughtful and heart warming take on themes of family and tradition. Anchored by a particularly strong cast and top notch staging this, is quite simply, perfection!

It's just a fact that Stages St. Louis is a very special theatre company that always brings a sense of joy and enthusiasm to the shows they stage year end and year out. FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, their current production (book by Joseph Stein, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and music by Jerry Beck), is another terrific example of their expertise in these endeavors. Lovingly crafted and performed with equal parts gusto and tenderness, this is a presentation that perfectly illustrates the art of musical theatre, while also touching the heart and soul of those who view it.

Each year, Long Beach Playhouse closes its Mainstage Season with a musical. This year it's presenting the popular classic, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF with music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and book by Joseph Stein. When it opened on Broadway 50 years ago in 1964, the musical was nominated for ten Tony Awards and won nine. In 1971, it was made into a movie, produced and directed by Norman Jewison, starring Chaim Topol who was nominated for a Best Actor Academy Award for his portrayal of Tevye the Milkman.

Now onstage at Encore Dinner Theatre in Tustin, Fiddler is a beautiful reminder of the true meaning of family and making one's way through life's shaky journey. This production, directed by Michael Lopez, is lovingly conceived from top to bottom.