Jeremy Radin (Tevye) and Lauren Molina (Golde) in Asolo Rep's production of Fiddler on the Roof. Provided photo.

One of Broadway’s most legendary musicals is finally making its way onto Asolo Repertory Theatre’s main stage. Fiddler on the Roof, the winner of nine Tony Awards, is in production at Asolo Rep through May 31. Based on Sholem Aleichem’s stories, with the book by Joseph Stein, music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, Fiddler on the Roof centers on Tevye, a Jewish milkman living in poverty-stricken Czarist Russia. As outside influences impede on the lives of his family, Tevye struggles to come to grips with the actions of his three daughters, who wish to marry for love instead of financial gain.

Although set in 1905, Fiddler on the Roof thematically remains as relevant as it ever was. A tale of emigration, cultural dissonance and ideological conflict, Tevye’s internal battle as a father is one that is felt throughout families around the world. “It is obviously a singular look at this sect of Jewish culture at this time in history, but so many of the ideas are universal about parents to children, and that tension between between honoring the past and embracing the future,” says Peter Rothstein, producing artistic director of Asolo Rep. “That’s the central conflict for Tevye—do you break with tradition and allow your children to chart their own course? Or in doing so, do you disparage the past and not honor your ancestors?”

Rothstein, who is also directing the production, tailored the musical in a manner that he believed authentically fit the story. In lieu of an orchestra, Rothstein cast actor/musicians—including Yurii and Andrii Padkovskyi, two Ukrainian immigrants—to create all of the music on stage. “This is a relatively poor community filled with extraordinary life and characters that would make their own music,” says Rothstein. “The entire cast will play music, except for Tevye, our narrator, who has a singular relationship with the audience. He is able to break the fourth wall and communicate directly with the audience, unlike any of the other characters.”

Fiddler on the Roof, April 11 to May 31, Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

Jeremy Radin (Tevye) and Lauren Molina (Golde) in Asolo Rep's production of Fiddler on the Roof. Provided photo.

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