The big news this summer (2018) on the New York theatre scene has been the premier of the Yiddish version of the much beloved musical Fiddler on the Roof, presented by the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene, and Directed by Oscar and Tony Award Winner, Joel Grey. The show has been such a hit that the run keeps getting extended!
In this episode, Host Steven Shalowitz sits down to chat with three of the show’s cast members: Jennifer Babiak (Golde); Adam B. Shapiro (Der Rov, Ensemble, u/s Tevye and Leyzer-Volf) and Bobby Underwood (Der Gradavoy, Ensemble).
Each talks about the relevance of Fiddler today, working with Joel Grey, and of course, they all share their own one way ticket destinations.
Jennifer’s credits include: Broadway: Fiddler on the Roof. Tours: West Side Story (Maria), Grease (Sandy) and Evita (Mistress). Favorite Regional credits include: My Fair Lady (Eliza), Jekyll and Hyde (Emma), Green Gables (Diana), Pirates of Penzance (Mabel) and A Christmas Carol (Meg). She is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and a graduate of NYU’s Steinhardt School of Music and Performing Arts Professions.
Folksbiene audiences will remember Adam from The Golden Bride, Megile of Itzik Manger, and as the title role in Gimpel Tam. Additional Off Broadway credits include: Death of a Salesman (in Yiddish), Bastard Jones, The Boys From Syracuse, and The Mikado. Film/TV include: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, 30 Rock, Master of None, The Cobbler (in Yiddish), and HBO’s Emmy-winning film, The Normal Heart.
Bobby has returned to the Folksbiene after appearing in its 2017 production of Amerike – The Golden Land (Immigration Officer) and The Sorceress (Turkish organ grinder). He also works as a stand-up comedian.
Wow – what an amazing show! I love how you facilitate the discussion and hearing their perspectives and personal stories. I can’t wait to see Fiddler on Sunday.