Fiddler on the Roof

Synopsis

Fiddler on the Roof is a classic Broadway musical that takes place in the small Jewish village of Anatevka, Russia, in the early 20th century. The story primarily follows Tevye, a poor milkman, as he strives to maintain his family’s Jewish traditions amidst the swirling winds of societal change. Tevye grapples with the strong-willed actions of his three eldest daughters—Tzeitel, Hodel, and Chava—who each choose their own husbands in ways that challenge age-old customs. Their choices and Tevye’s reactions reflect the struggle between tradition and progress. Meanwhile, the looming threat of anti-Jewish sentiment and violence adds another layer of tension to the narrative. The show features iconic songs like “Tradition,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” “If I Were A Rich Man,” and “Sunrise, Sunset,” which have become fixtures in the canon of American musical theatre. Since its premiere on Broadway in 1964, Fiddler on the Roof, with its evocative themes and memorable music, has seen multiple revivals and remains a beloved staple in the world of theatre.

Musical numbers

Act I

• “Prologue: Tradition” – Tevye and Company
• “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” – Tzeitel, Hodel and Chava
• “If I Were a Rich Man” – Tevye
• “Sabbath Prayer” – Tevye, Golde, Company
• “To Life” – Tevye, Lazar Wolf, Russian soloist and Men
• “Tevye’s Monologue” – Tevye
• “Miracle of Miracles” – Motel
• “Tevye’s Dream” – Tevye, Golde, Grandma Tzeitel, Rabbi, Fruma-Sarah and Company
• “Sunrise, Sunset” – Tevye, Golde, Perchik, Hodel and Company
• “The Bottle Dance” – Instrumental

Act II

• “Entr’acte” – Orchestra
• “Now I Have Everything” – Perchik and Hodel
• “Tevye’s Rebuttal” – Tevye
• “Do You Love Me?” – Tevye and Golde
• “The Rumor/I Just Heard” – Yente and Villagers ¹
• “Far From the Home I Love” – Hodel
• “Chavaleh (Little Bird)” – Tevye
• “Anatevka” – The Company