UK Theatre Network

Paul Michael Glaser's "Fiddler on the Roof" connection to a Glasgow production of the world famous musical.

Following their SELL-OUT production of “Footloose”, Theatre Guild Glasgow will be performing the hit musical “Fiddler on the Roof” at Eastwood Park Theatre from 8th – 12^th October.

 

“Fiddler on the Roof”, the Tony Award winning musical that has captured the hearts of people all over the world with its universal appeal is a timeless classic. It features a score by Jerry Bock (music) and Sheldon Harnick (lyrics), with a book by Joseph Stein, based on the stories of Sholom Aleichem. This is one of the most beloved musical scores in the history of American theatre including the popular numbers “Tradition”, “Matchmaker”, “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Sunrise, Sunset”.

An audience favourite nearly 50 years after its stage debut, very few musicals have so magically woven music, dance, poignancy and laughter into such an unforgettable experience. Theatre Guild are looking to put their own stamp on this classic tale by performing it in their local dialect, bringing a rawness and naturalism to their characters which allows the comedy and drama of this exquisite script to shine through.

“Fiddler on the Roof” opened at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre on September 22, 1964, where it experienced unprecedented success running 3,264 performances and winning nine Tony Awards. The musical received international attention thanks to the 1971 United Artists motion picture adaptation featuring Topol. In 1991 and 2004, it was revived on Broadway and received even more Tony Awards for Best Revival of a Musical (1991), Best Orchestrations (2004) and nominations in 2004 for Best Revival of a Musical and Best Actor. Hollywood star Paul Michael Glaser played Perchik in the 1971 film and is currently touring the UK playing the lead; Tevye. Glaser, known to many as the original Starsky from the Starsky and Hutch TV series, sent the Theatre Guild cast a personal message of support.

Paul Michael Glaser said: Congratulations on putting on 'Fiddler.' It's such a gratifying piece of work I am sure you will enjoy it. When you stop to consider that 'Fiddler on the Roof' has been touring the world for 50 years now, in so many languages and to such strong appeal, you can't help but recognize what an amazing piece of work it is in its universal themes and story. It has easily achieved 'classic' status in that it inspires and moves so many. So congratulations on your endeavour. You are to be applauded. Break a leg!

 

The cast of 40 local residents have been rehearsing for six months on evenings and weekends to ensure that this £29,000 production is ready for a live audience on the opening night. The Tuesday night performance has a special place in the heart of Theatre Guild as 10% of ticket sales will go to The Beatson Cancer Centre in memory of a former Director who sadly passed away last year. The show is accompanied by a live band and directed by an experienced professional production team led by Artistic Director Alasdair Hawthorn, choreographed by Jonathan Parsons and musically directed by David Fisher.

 

Tickets are already selling fast with only a small number remaining for the Friday and Saturday night.

Hurry down to Eastwood Park Theatre – you don’t have to be a ‘Rich Man’ as tickets are only £14-16 and you can drink ‘to life’ at the bar at the interval. L’Chaim!

www.theatreguildglasgow.co.uk
www.beatson.scot.nhs.uk

Eastwood Park Theatre
"Fiddler on the Roof", 8-12 October 2013
Tickets £14 - £16
Box Office:  0141 577 4956
eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk