On theatre

David Benedict
Tuesday 21 June 1994 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Is there something about the London Palladium we don't know? It seems to be devoting itself to musicals about NJBs (Nice Jewish Boys). First there was Joseph. . . (who knew a thing or three about the garment trade) and now it's the turn of Fiddler on the Roof (with Topol, right). Meanwhile, the Barbican has been doing its bit for Christianity with last summer's revival of Godspell and the current production of Murder in the Cathedral.

In case you thought Jewish musicals were thin on the ground, don't forget Jerry Herman's Milk and Honey (currently being revived off-Broadway) and The Rothschilds, written by Fiddler creators Jerry Bock (music) and Sheldon Harnick (lyrics). Jesus Christ Superstar, a musical about a nice Jew(ish) boy, probably counts as a contender for both sides.

Fiddler, the show that did for peasant skirts what The Sound of Music did for the dirndl, is Bock and Harnick's calling card. It ran just short of eight years on Broadway and another four-and-a-half in London. Norman Jewison made a film of it which, at a touch over three hours, gave new meaning to the phrase From Here to Eternity.

This second London revival marks the return of the book musical. Spoken dialogue is back, and with Sara Kestelman playing Golde, it is likely to get serious delivery.

London Palladium: 071-494 5020

(Photograph omitted)

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in