The musical opened on Broadway in 1964. The original cast included Zero Mostel as Tevye the milkman, Maria Karnilova as his wife Golde (each of whom won a Tony for their performances), Beatrice Arthur as Yente the matchmaker, Austin Pendleton as Motel, Bert Convy as Perchik the student revolutionary, Gino Conforti as the fiddler, and Julia Migenes as Hodel.
Joanna Merlin originated the role of Tzeitel, which was later assumed by Bette Midler during the original run. Carol Sawyer was Fruma Sarah, Adrienne Barbeau took a turn as Hodel, and Pia Zadora played the youngest daughter, Bielke. Both Peg Murray and Dolores Wilson made extended appearances as Golde, while other stage actors who have played Tevye include Herschel Bernardi, Theodore Bikel and Harry Goz (in the original Broadway run), and Leonard Nimoy.
Mostel's understudy in the original production, Paul Lipson, went on to appear as Tevye in more performances than any other actor, clocking over 2,000 performances in the role in the original run and several revivals. Florence Stanley took over the role of Yente later in the run. The production earned $1,574 for every dollar invested in it.
Last week, Harnick and cast members from the various productions got together to reminisce about their experiences with the show. The following video shows them recalling their favorite lines and lyrics. For a taste of nostalgia, we're also including a video of the opening sequence of the 1971 film starring Chaim Topol as Tevye.
Enjoy!
(A SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS: THE VIDEO MAY NOT BE VIEWABLE DIRECTLY FROM THE EMAIL THAT YOU GET EACH DAY ON SOME COMPUTERS AND TABLETS. YOU MUST CLICK ON THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE EMAIL TO REACH THE JEWISH HUMOR CENTRAL WEBSITE, FROM WHICH YOU CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE VIDEO IMAGE TO START THE VIDEO.)
Opening sequence of the 1971 film version - "Tradition"
Posts
Enjoyed EVERY moment!! Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteI just watched it again. Same results.....joy; sadness; laughter; tears! Thank you, Al.
ReplyDeleteIf not for this movie I would have not known as early as I did that there was a frum way of life. B"H Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThis was the first record I bought (Stage production), the first video I bought(Movie version), and I saw the play, the movie when it
ReplyDeletefirst came out in 1971, and I have seen it many times since. It has never disappointed me!
Last week, Harnick and cast members from the various productions got together to reminisce about their experiences with the show. roof contractors
ReplyDelete