Fiddler on the Roof Facts for Kids

Fiddler on the Roof is a famous musical. It has music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and a story by Joseph Stein. The musical takes place in Russia in 1905.

The story is about a poor Jewish milkman named Tevye. He lives with his five daughters. Tevye tries to keep his family's Jewish traditions alive. But his three oldest daughters choose husbands who move further away from these traditions.

The Story of Fiddler on the Roof
Broadway Success and Film
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The Story of Fiddler on the Roof

The musical tells the story of Tevye, a milkman in the small village of Anatevka. He talks to God a lot about his life and problems. Tevye wants his daughters to marry good men chosen by a matchmaker, as is their custom.

His oldest daughter, Tzeitel, wants to marry a poor tailor named Motel. This is not a traditional match. Tevye agrees because he loves his daughter. His second daughter, Hodel, falls in love with Perchik, a student who believes in new ideas. She follows him when he is sent away. His third daughter, Chava, falls in love with Fyedka, a non-Jewish Russian. This is the hardest choice for Tevye to accept.

The story also shows the challenges faced by Jewish people in Russia at that time. They are eventually forced to leave their homes. The musical explores themes of tradition, family, love, and change.

Broadway Success and Film

The first Broadway show of Fiddler on the Roof opened in 1964. It was a huge success. It became one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history. Many people loved the music and the story.

In 1971, a movie version of Fiddler on the Roof was made. The actor Topol played Tevye in the film. The movie helped the musical become even more famous around the world. Later, in 2019, a special version of the musical was made in the Yiddish language.