On Sunday, May 2 at 2:30 p.m. (ET), the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene (NYTF) will present a virtual celebration to launch the behind-the-scenes book, “On the Roof: A Look Inside Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish” by one of the show’s stars, Samantha Hahn. The event is part of NYTF’s popular Folksbiene! Live virtual programming and will provide an opportunity for audience members to engage with participants.
“On the Roof” is an inside look at Off-Broadway’s “Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish,” the musical that was first presented by National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene at the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust to sold-out audiences – prompting multiple extensions of the hit before it moved uptown to Off-Broadway’s Stage 42.
The virtual doors to the free book party will open at 2:15 PM (ET) and begin with a special montage of backstage videos from Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish until the program begins.
In the book, Samantha Hahn, the youngest member of the cast, tells the story of how “Yiddish Fiddler” came to be. The book features interviews with the cast, crew and creative team — each with a unique take on the show and the impact it has had on their lives. “On the Roof” takes the reader on a never-before-seen journey — from rehearsals that end in tears and screaming in elevators to the beautiful bonds between company members as strangers turn into family.
“When we opened, something sort of miraculous happened,” said Tony and Academy Award-winning Director Joel Grey. “There we were — a hit. Our youngest member has written this altogether delightful recounting of the experience. Samantha Hahn is not only a gifted performer but a delightful documentarian; she takes you through our auditions, rehearsals, backstage life, mishaps, and relationships, and shares stories and intimate thoughts from the entire team. Come, sit in on a rehearsal or two…”
The Zoom book party will include a discussion moderated by Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish Lead Producer Jana Robbins, who produced the show uptown at Stage 42.
