Fiddler on the Roof returns with a cutting edge

Tradition has been a core element of Fiddler on the Roof ever since the musical, set in 1905 in the shtetl of Anatevka in Imperial Russia, premiered on Broadway in 1964.

Based on the book by Joseph Stein, music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and inspired by the Yiddish stories of Sholem Aleichem, the musical has delighted millions of theatregoers around the world with its timeless story set around milkman Tevye, his wife Golde and their five daughters.

This new production, which debuted at London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in 2024 and opened at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre on November 5 as part of an Australian tour, has all the drama and hit songs of previous productions, but instead feaures a minimalist stage.

Director Jordan Fein’s pared-down staging comprising rows of wheat ensures the focus shines dramatically on the main characters, enhanced by inspired lighting effects and energetic dance numbers.

Over the years Australian audiences have seen stars such as Chaim Topol and Anthony Warlow play the lead role of Tevye. For this production, local actor Troy Sussman draws on a musical theatre career spanning almost four decades for his major role of a father figure who shows warmth, knowledge and humour.