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Friday, April 29, 2016
Lyricist Sheldon Harnick talks Fiddler on the Roof
HowlRound: “In April, I’ll be ninety-two years old, and at that age, to even have one show open on Broadway would be a blessing—to have two is spectacular,” remarked Sheldon Harnick, Broadway Lyricist of Fiddler on the Roof and She Loves Me.
1 comment:
Daniel S
said...
With so much talk of diversity, equal rights, and casting, I would venture that there are a lot of people who might be upset with brining Fiddler back. The story surrounds a straight, white, middle aged man (though he is Jewish). From recent discussions, it seems like this is exactly the type of role and show that some want to do away with and bring in newer, more diverse shows. I would argue that Fiddler on the Roof is all about breaking societal barriers. When Tevye reneges on a promise to wed one of his daughters to someone, it shows progress. One of Tevye’s other daughters leaves home in search of discovery and love. While Fiddler may be filled with very traditional gender roles, casting, and characters, the story offers more than that. The story teaches us to accept change, though it may come at a cost. Of course, Fiddler also teaches us that sometimes we do things the way we do because that’s just how we do them – its tradition.
1 comment:
With so much talk of diversity, equal rights, and casting, I would venture that there are a lot of people who might be upset with brining Fiddler back. The story surrounds a straight, white, middle aged man (though he is Jewish). From recent discussions, it seems like this is exactly the type of role and show that some want to do away with and bring in newer, more diverse shows. I would argue that Fiddler on the Roof is all about breaking societal barriers. When Tevye reneges on a promise to wed one of his daughters to someone, it shows progress. One of Tevye’s other daughters leaves home in search of discovery and love. While Fiddler may be filled with very traditional gender roles, casting, and characters, the story offers more than that. The story teaches us to accept change, though it may come at a cost. Of course, Fiddler also teaches us that sometimes we do things the way we do because that’s just how we do them – its tradition.
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