Fiddler on the Roof: Based on Sholom Aleichem's Stories

by Joseph Stein

Book Overview

The full text and complete lyrics, as well as photographs from the original production. "One of the great works of the American musical theatre. It is darling, touching, beautiful, warm, funny and inspiring. It is a work of art." -John Chapman, Daily News

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0879101369
• ISBN13: 9780879101367
• Release Date: August 2004
• Publisher: Limelight
• Length: 168 Pages
• Weight: 0.51 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.4" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Classic script

Though it differs slightly from the production script this version is very well done with excellent photos.

Whole Storey

Wonderful! It's the full script not a novel. It includes some wonderful pictures from the original production.

Wonderful story of history, traditions and values.

I loved reading Fiddler on the Roof because of how the characters came alive in my mind. Several of the characters' actions and personalities reminded me of my family members. The theme is univeral: How do parents instill their traditions and values in their children in an constantly changing world? The protagonist, Tevye, tries to instill in his daughters his values and traditions in an increasinly violent world. As the world becomes more modernized and industrial, Tevye and the villagers start to lose some of their traditions. The story is the epitome of the Jewish struggle and persecution they have faced throughout history. Fiddler on the Roof is a must read for the young and old for its lessons about life are profound.

Shalom Aleichem

Shalom Aleichem was for modern Jewish literature what Mark Twain was for American literature. In one for instance, Aleichem like Twain was the writer's own appropriation. Mark Twain originally was a sounding phrase used by riverboat operators. Shalom Aleichem -- also a sounding phrase -- is used in Jewish communities to welcome eachother and in congregation the bride of the sabbath itself. Both Twain and Aleichem created indelible unforgettable stories with indelible unforgettable characters...like Tevye. And whether you found Tevye through Topol, Mostel or Shalom Aleichem's turn of the century stories themselves, you saw not only a mirror held to the Jewish Everyman but a template for the better inside us all. I like to think that Shalom Aleichem, who died in 1916 would have gladly approved of the appropriation of his character Tevye in this wonderful celebration of life. In my opinion what makes this particular story such a great celebration of life is not that it shrinks from depicting life's sometimes harsh realities, but rather one's ability to overcome them through faith, family and a recognition of the inherent beauty of life. After seeing Tevye in action, his simple eloquence, his love for his family, his courage, his humanness, you can't rightly help yourself from feeling a shared sense of appreciation for life.La chaim, to life. In all languages, hope sounds just as good.

Fiddler Offers a Quality Theatre Experience

I loved the play. It it written with an ease and style that is not only pleasing to read, but also very smooth to perform. It is an eloquent statement about families and, of course, tradition. It offers us a view of the necessity of change and the importance that it has in society, not only then, but now as well. I would recomend that anyone interested in the Jewish way of life in the 20s and 30s in Europe, American musicals or simply in families, read this play; it will be well worth your while!