Cadillac Broadway Across America - Houston presents the farewell tour of
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF starring Topol from May 26th - June 7th, 2009 at the
Hobby Center for the Performing Arts (800 Bagby). Tickets are available at the Hobby Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster
outlets, by calling 713-629-3700 or online at
www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.
Photo by Joan Marcus.
CONTINUE A TRADITION
WITH TOPOL AS THE LEGENDARY ACTOR
EMBARKS ON HIS FAREWELL TOUR OF
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
Tickets On Sale Now
HOUSTON, TX…Starring as the original Tevye, Chaim Topol, returns to the role that made him legendary with his award winning film portrayal in one of the great masterpieces in American Musical Theatre, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. Cadillac Broadway Across America-Houston presents the farewell tour of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF starring Topol May 26-June 7 at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts (800 Bagby).
No other musical has so magically woven music, dance, poignancy and laughter into such an electrifying and unforgettable experience. Based on the stories of Sholom Aleichem, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF will continue to delight audiences for generations to come.
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF has received a warm welcome on stages around the world since its debut. From Broadway to Finland to Japan to Mexico to South Africa, the lovable, engaging milkman named Tevye has delighted audiences with his comical and wise observations on the family, marriage, and traditions. In what is a huge theatrical feat, audiences will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the original Tevye, Chaim Topol, perform the role that made him legendary with his award winning film portrayal in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF.
Starring as the original Tevye, CHAIM TOPOL returns to the role that made
him legendary with his award winning film portrayal in one of the great
masterpieces in American Musical Theatre FIDDLER ON THE ROOF.
Cadillac Broadway Across America - Houston presents FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
from May 26th - June 7th, 2009 at the
Hobby Center for the Performing Arts (800 Bagby). Tickets are available at the Hobby Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster
outlets, by calling 713-629-3700 or online at
www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.
Photo by Joan Marcus.
The musical FIDDLER ON THE ROOF has established some traditions of its own. Its score, written by composer Jerry Bock and lyricist Sheldon Harnick, is comprised of a string of hits including “Sunrise, Sunset,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” “If I Were A Rich Man,” and “Do You Love Me?” One of the longest running musicals, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF enjoyed renewed success in its recent revival, proving that this show, with its universal themes, transcends the times in which it was written and is destined to be a favorite for generations.
Based on the timeless stories of Sholom Aleichem, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is a family musical about the bonds that hold husbands and wives and parents and children together in times of hardship and times of joy. Create a new tradition in your family and see FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.
Chaim Topol joins this tour on the heels of a successful, short tour in the South Pacific. In 1972 Topol won a Golden Globe Award and was nominated for an Oscar in the Best Actor category for his performance in the film. In 1983 he reprised the role of Tevye in a London revival and in1990 he again played the part in a Broadway revival and was nominated for a Tony Award® for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical.
Faithfully recreating Jerome Robbins’ award-winning direction and choreography for this tour is Director Sammy Dallas Bayes, choreographer of the Broadway revival. In 1965 Jerome Robbins won matching Tony Award®s for his direction and choreography of Broadway’s FIDDLER ON THE ROOF.
Cadillac Broadway Across America - Houston presents the farewell tour of
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF starring Topol from May 26th - June 7th, 2009 at the
Hobby Center for the Performing Arts (800 Bagby). Tickets are available at the Hobby Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster
outlets, by calling 713-629-3700 or online at
www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.
Photo by Joan Marcus.
CALENDAR LISTING:
May 26-June 7, 2009 – Cadillac Broadway Across America - Houston presents FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby. Performances are Tuesday – Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; and Sunday at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Audio described performance is available Thursday, June 4 at 8 p.m. and captioned performance is available Saturday, May 30 at 2 p.m. Wheelchair accessible. Starting at $23, tickets are available at following authorized outlets: Hobby Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling (713) 629-3700 or online at www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com. Groups of 20 or more, call (888) 451-5986 or e-mail Houston.groups@broadwayacrossamerica.com.
Starting at $23, tickets are available at following authorized outlets: Hobby Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling (713) 629-3700 or online at www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com. Groups of 20 or more, call (888) 451-5986 or e-mail Houston.groups@broadwayacrossamerica.com.
About Broadway Across America
Broadway Across America: Owned and operated by British theatre producer John Gore (CEO) and entertainment industry veteran Thomas B. McGrath (Chairman), Broadway Across America presents first-class touring Broadway musicals and plays, family productions and other live events throughout a network of 43 North American cities. Broadway Across America is also dedicated to the development and production of new and diverse live theatre for productions on Broadway, across America and throughout the world. Broadway Across America most recently produced Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS on Broadway, while current and upcoming productions include WEST SIDE STORY, BLITHE SPIRIT, MINSKY’S, and the DeafWest production of PIPPIN. Broadway tours include DORA THE EXPLORER, FROST/NIXON, SPAMALOT, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. For more information or to purchase tickets through an authorized agent go to www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.
Cadillac Broadway Across America - Houston presents the farewell tour of
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF starring Topol from May 26th - June 7th, 2009 at the
Hobby Center for the Performing Arts (800 Bagby). Tickets are available at the Hobby Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster
outlets, by calling 713-629-3700 or online at
www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.
Photo by Joan Marcus.
BIG LEAGUE PRODUCTIONS, INC. is celebrating its 19th season of producing, general managing, and booking Broadway musicals and special attractions for touring throughout North America and the world. By special permission from Disney Theatricals, Big League just developed and toured extensively a brand new production of Elton John and Tim Rice’s AIDA to great critical acclaim (visit www.theaidatour.com). In addition to its current tour of the unique spectacular BLAST, Big League is preparing an international tour of AIDA in the forthcoming season. Among the recent highlights was a new touring production of the world famous mega-musical, Miss Saigon, developed in collaboration with Cameron Mackintosh, which toured the US and Canada for four years. Other productions of notoriety were the Japanese and North American touring productions of 42nd Street with the creative team from the recent Tony Award winning Broadway revival as well as a three year tour of Meredith Wilson’s The Music Man as conceived by Susan Stroman. Other successes have included Footloose (Las Vegas, Atlantic City, North American Tour), tours of Titanic, 1776, Peter Pan, as well as A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum starring Rip Taylor. Big League’s renowned production of The Who’s Tommy has been see throughout North America, South America, Europe, and most recently in Tokyo. Future highlights will include the 30th Anniversary National Tour of the Tony Award winning musical Ain’t Misbehavin with direction by the Tony Award winning Richard Maltby and starring American Idol winner recording artist Ruben Studdard as well as Frenchie Davis of Idol fame. Also in the works is the development of a new dynamic production of the stage adaptation of the iconic renowned children’s film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The booking department at Big League, helmed by John Starr, is among the most respected in the industry. Visit www.bigleague.org
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Topol: The Rolls Royce of Milk Men
A Night Out to see Fiddler On The Roof starring Chaim Topol
By Theresa Pisula
Theresa@HoustonTheatre.com
May 26th, 2009
Houston, Texas
As I turned my car left on Bagby Street on our way to the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts we happened to get behind some police men riding horse back. We inched our way along one of downtown Houston’s one-way streets waiting for our turn behind the slow moving horses. I couldn’t help but think about the old days when life used to move this slowly. This is the kind of life that Tevye lived in Anatevka, an impoverished village in Czarist Russia. As the town’s milkman, he would pull the cart himself whenever his horse would happen to break its horse shoe.
We finally reached the front drive-way of the Hobby Center and I couldn’t help but marvel at the cars that were being dropped off for valet parking. BMWs, Mercedes, Jaguars, Lexus and Hummers were the automobiles of choice by the patrons of Broadway Houston’s FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. One car stood out in particular, the Rolls Royce Phantom convertible. It was in the middle of the crowded drive-way and everyone admired its exquisite beauty. Two-tone in grey and black with its top down, the winged angel in the front hood made its commanding presence unmistakable. The shiny silver plated hub caps were exemplary sterling and distinctly embossed in the center of each is the prestigious RR trademark. It is no wonder why anyone would pay over $400,000 for such a fine automobile.
This is how I perceived Chaim Topol’s performance tonight in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF which could only be described as "one-of-a-kind". FIDDLER ON THE ROOF tells the story of Tevye with his wife Golde and 5 daughters: Tzeitel, Hodel, Chava, Sphrintze and Bielke. Tevye is a hardworking man, taking care of his family delivering milk for the town’s folk of Anatevka. Not surprisingly quite like Tevye the milkman, Topol is just as hard working.
Chaim Topol was born on September 9th, 1935 in Tel Aviv, Palestine (now Israel). He was on active duty with the Israeli army when he was nominated for an Oscar award for his role as Tevye in the movie FIDDLER ON THE ROOF in early 1972. He was granted leave so he could attend the ceremony in Los Angeles that year.
Today Topol is 74 years old, still singing “If I Were a Rich Man” and dancing his trademark chest shaking dance with the utmost vigor. It was inspiring to watch him play the part of Tevye and it restored my faith in the resilience and determination of this strong invigorating man.
IF I WERE A RICH MAN
Dear God, you made many,
many poor people.
I realize, of course, that it's no shame to be poor.
But it's no great honor either!
So, what would have been so terrible if I had a small fortune?"
If I were a rich man
Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum
All day long I'd biddy biddy bum
If I were a wealthy man
I wouldn't have to work hard
Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum.
If I were a biddy biddy rich
Yidle-diddle-didle-didle man
I'd build a big tall house with rooms by the dozen
Right in the middle of the town
A fine tin roof with real wooden floors below
There would be one long staircase just going up
And one even longer coming down
And one more leading nowhere, just for show.
I'd fill my yard with chicks and turkeys and geese and ducks
For the town to see and hear.
Squawking just as noisily as they can
With each loud "cheep" "sqwawk" "honk" "quack"
Would land like a trumpet on the ear
As if to say "Here lives a wealthy man."
If I were a rich man
Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum.
All day long I'd biddy biddy bum.
If I were a wealthy man
I wouldn't have to work hard
Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum.
If I were a biddy biddy rich
Yidle-diddle-didle-didle man
I see my wife, my Golde, looking like a rich man's wife
With a proper double-chin
Supervising meals to her heart's delight
I see her putting on airs and strutting like a peacock
Oy, what a happy mood she's in
Screaming at the servants, day and night.
The most important men in town would come to fawn on me!
They would ask me to advise them,
Like a Solomon the Wise.
"If you please, Reb Tevye..."
"Pardon me, Reb Tevye..."
Posing problems that would cross a rabbi's eyes!
And it won't make one bit of difference if I answer right or wrong.
When you're rich, they think you really know!
If I were rich, I'd have the time that I lack
To sit in the synagogue and pray.
And maybe have a seat by the Eastern wall.
And I'd discuss the holy books with the learned men, several hours every day.
That would be the sweetest thing of all.
If I were a rich man,
Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum.
All day long I'd biddy biddy bum.
If I were a wealthy man
I wouldn't have to work hard.
Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum.
Lord who made the lion and the lamb,
You decreed I should be what I am.
Would it spoil some vast eternal plan?
If I were a wealthy man
The musical numbers were awe-inspiring. My personal favorite was Matchmaker, Matchmaker where I relished the melodic voices of Tevye’s daughters as they sang in harmonious glory. Rena Strober plays Tzeitel, Jamie Davis plays Hodel, Alison Walla plays Chava, Kerry Alexander plays Sphrintze and Julie Brooks plays Bielke. Susan Cella plays the role of their mother Golde. Susan Cella is reprising the role of Golde which she played in the 2000-2001 tour of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF opposite Theo Bikel.
FIDDLER ON THE
ROOF
Starring Theodore Bikel
January 23 - 28, 2001
JONES HALL
Houston, Texas
Yente the Matchmaker is convincingly played by seasoned Broadway performer Mary Stout. The song Sunrise Sunset holds a very special place in my heart. The haunting melody still brings chills up and down my spine as Tevye and Golde sing about their daughter on her wedding day as she is being given away in marriage to Motel the Tailor.
SUNRISE SUNSET
(Tevye)
Is this the little girl I carried?
Is this the little boy at play?
(Golde)
I don't remember growing older
When did they?
(Tevye)
When did she get to be a beauty?
When did he grow to be so tall?
(Golde)
Wasn't it yesterday
When they were small?
(Men)
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly flow the days
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers
Blossoming even as we gaze
(Women)
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears
(Tevye)
What words of wisdom can I give them?
How can I help to ease their way?
(Golde)
Now they must learn from one another
Day by day
(Perchik & Hodel)
They look so natural together
Just like two newlyweds should be
Is there a canopy in store for me?
(All)
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears
My mother Portia Tello who accompanied me this evening especially loved Do You Love Me? This song is sung by husband Tevye and wife Golde and it’s about the love between a man and a woman who have been married for a very long time. My mom Portia has been married to my dad Rodin F. Tello for over 40 years. They both love the musical FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. I specifically remember my father taking us to the movie back in the early 70s when I was a little girl to see the movie starring Chaim Topol. We had the LP record album and it was evident to me how much my father loved this musical in the way he played the entire album over and over again. On their 30th wedding Anniversary, my brothers and sister pooled our money together and we bought them tickets to the show.
DO YOU LOVE ME?
(Tevye)
"Golde, I have decided to give Perchik permission to become engaged to our
daughter, Hodel."
(Golde)
"What??? He's poor! He has nothing, absolutely nothing!"
(Tevye)
"He's a good man, Golde.
I like him. And what's more important, Hodel likes him. Hodel loves him.
So what can we do?
It's a new world... A new world. Love. Golde..."
Do you love me?
(Golde)
Do I what?
(Tevye)
Do you love me?
(Golde)
Do I love you?
With our daughters getting married
And this trouble in the town
You're upset, you're worn out
Go inside, go lie down!
Maybe it's indigestion
(Tevye)
"Golde I'm asking you a question..."
Do you love me?
(Golde)
You're a fool
(Tevye)
"I know..."
But do you love me?
(Golde)
Do I love you?
For twenty-five years I've washed your clothes
Cooked your meals, cleaned your house
Given you children, milked the cow
After twenty-five years, why talk about love right now?
(Tevye)
Golde, The first time I met you
Was on our wedding day
I was scared
(Golde)
I was shy
(Tevye)
I was nervous
(Golde)
So was I
(Tevye)
But my father and my mother
Said we'd learn to love each other
And now I'm asking, Golde
Do you love me?
(Golde)
I'm your wife
(Tevye)
"I know..."
But do you love me?
(Golde)
Do I love him?
For twenty-five years I've lived with him
Fought him, starved with him
Twenty-five years my bed is his
If that's not love, what is?
(Tevye)
Then you love me?
(Golde)
I suppose I do
(Tevye)
And I suppose I love you too
(Both)
It doesn't change a thing
But even so
After twenty-five years
It's nice to know
The Broadway Across America 2009 touring production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF with its classic songs, expert choreography and magnificent sets and lighting is nothing short of FANTASTIC! Of course, seeing Chaim Topol perform his trademark role of Tevye the milkman is truly a unique experience. His expert delivery of the comedic lines on the show was extremely entertaining. One attains the feeling that you are witnessing a master at work and even at 74 years old he is at the top of his game. Don’t miss FIDDLER ON THE ROOF starring the great Chaim Topol showing at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts at 800 Bagby at Walker through June 7th, 2009 in Houston, Texas.