13 See Fiddler on the Roof

A Fidler Afn Dakh.

Stage 42, through January 5.

The city’s unlikeliest hit—a transfer from the Museum of Jewish Heritage—is hora-ing its way to January 5; after that, the fiddler comes off the roof. A lot has been written about Joel Grey’s wonderful direction; the superb Tevye, Steven Skybell; and the musical’s sturdy old vinestock, which blossoms in Shraga Friedman’s adaptation. But also notice the way the production teaches you as you watch it. I didn’t speak a word of Yiddish going in;

coming out, it felt as though I’d been hearing it all my life. After so many tried to stamp the language out, it’s moving to hear how quickly and beautifully it comes dancing back into the world. h.s