Fid
Fiddler writer Joseph Stein died on October 24, and now this. 
Bock also worked on Fiorello!, which starred Tom Bosley. Trifecta.
Just saw Fiddler on Friday; the national tour swung through our town. Favorite musical ever.
Excellent NY Times obit]
To lose these two creative greats who brought so much to Broadway and musical theatre so close togther is heartbreaking.
How was it? (The same tour is coming here this month and I’ve been debating whether to buy tickets.)
The original Broadway production of “Fiddler” ran from 1964 to 1972. I managed to see it at the tail end of its run, with Jan Peerce playing Tevye.
That was the first Broadway show I ever saw, but far from the last. For a straight guy from Archie Bunker’s neighborhood, I know WAY too many show tunes!
“Fiddler” has always been my favorite musical. Bravo, RIP, and thank you for everything, Mr. Bock.
I was so disappointed last year because I’d planned to catch Topol in Atlanta on his Farewell Tour, but due to some health problem or injury he had to pull out and was replaced by Harvey Fierstein. Harvey’s gayness has nothing to do with why I can’t accept him as Tevye, but his voice… grating, right? Of course right!
Theodore Bikel, who has played the role almost as much as Topol, took over for a few performances, and that might have been nice except he’s 85 years old.
Overall, quite good. The dancing in particular, I felt, was excellent, and the staging with the background and props is very smooth. John Preece is a good Tevye, and it’s kinda refreshing to see someone who isn’t just doing a straight Topol impression. I did feel he could’ve “sold it” a bit harder during “If I Were A Rich Man”. But, I had a good time.
My favorite musical is “She Loves Me.” I saw the revival with Boyd Gaines, first at the Roundabout off-Broadway and then on Broadway, 6 times. I also own the original cast album with the amazing Barbara Cook. It’s funny and sweet, and this makes me sad.