Rise of the Rothschilds — on stage

A RAGS to riches musical about the Rothschild family’s fight against rising antisemitism in 18th century Europe is set to be performed in Britain for the first time.

Rothschild and Sons, written by the creators of Fiddler on the Roof in 1970, will be put on at the Park Theatre in Finsbury Park, north London, in January.

The production was inspired by the book, The Rothschilds, by Frederic Morton.

Songwriter Sheldon Harnick, who wrote the music with the late composer Jerry Bock, said the show was “the story of a family who were persecuted and raised themselves out of poverty. It’s a rags to riches tale”.

It premiered on Broadway in 1970, titled The Rothschilds, but was rewritten by Mr Harnick and his team 40 years later and renamed Rothschild & Sons.

It focuses on Mayer Rothschild, the founder of the banking dynasty and his relationship with his five sons.

New York-based Mr Harnick said he hoped the musical would challenge age-old conspiracy theories about the Rothschilds.

“There is a great deal of literature on the family. I did extensive research and I hope the show makes people see them all as human beings.

“I think people will connect to the father’s relationship with his sons. Most families recognise the difficulties that arise between parents and children.”