Max Lewkowicz offers an enlightening perspective on the quintessentially Jewish production
When Fiddler on the Roof reached the Broadway stage in 1964, it was initially branded “a near-miss”, with reviews stating that the “songs are bad, the choreography undistinguished and the book is flat”. Over 50 years later, a multi-award-winning film and a show being performed everyday somewhere in the world, A Miracle of Miracles reflects on just what made Fiddler such a huge part of the lives of all ages and faiths worldwide.
The documentary begins with the fundamental value of the musical: tradition. With commentaries from various influential cast members and famous fans – including the phenomenal Chaim Topol and author Fran Lebowitz – the audience is taken on a journey through the foundations the Broadway show, while leaving no stone unturned in the entire Fiddler journey.
Not only does the documentary highlight the triumph of Fiddler, but delves into the poignant, dark sectors of the story that Joseph Stein derived from the Shalom Aleichem tales, including that of arranged marriage, interfaith relations, poverty, apostasy and exodus. Viewers get to read between the lines of the Fiddler script thanks to listening to the original cast members and understand the tensions that built between stage members, such as composer Jerry Bock and original Tevye actor Zero Mostel that really pushed Fiddler to be the universal film so close to our hearts to this day.
A Miracle of Miracles investigates how adaptable the traditionally Jewish narrative has become, exploring the ecstasy of a father finding his daughter the perfect suitor and fantasising about wealth, but equally highlighting the heartbreak of watching a child leave a parent. It also shows that Topol struggled to compose himself when thinking about the iconic railway scene, of Hodel leaving Anatevka, years later.
Overall, A Miracle of Miracles is a stunning, resonant piece studying the highly energetic story of Fiddler on the Roof with such looming disaster. It is a must-watch for all Fiddler fans and is sure to keep the tradition of family values alive for many years to come.
By Dani Silver
Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles is released in UK cinemas Friday 13 December. Visit fiddlerfilm.co.uk to find your nearest screening.