Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...I adored Kosky’s “FIddler” but I loved Margolius’ staging, which obviously does not operate with comparable resources, especially in the pit, even more. This title can be a bit of a Catch-22 for a critic who wants his readers to experience an exceptional show: On the one hand, “Fiddler” is known as the musical that always finds an audience. On the other, people tend to roll their eyes and think, been there and seen that."
Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended
"...The biggest problem is that the concept renders Anatevka — the tight-knit rural Russian village where “Fiddler” unfolds in 1905 — a place where the connections between characters can feel as flimsy and fleeting as a dream you can barely remember upon waking."
Chicago Reader - Recommended
"...Still, Fiddler’s fans won’t be disappointed here, and there are many moments where the staging works brilliantly. Anatevka’s residents stand together proudly during “Tradition,” strategically leaning to and fro to reveal the characters they sing about. The solemnity of “Sunrise, Sunset” effectively transitions to the exuberance of Tzeitel and Motel’s wedding (the couple played by Emma Rosenthal and Michael Kurowski)."
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"...I love the play and the music. I loved the cast of players and only felt that the elimination of Jewish traditions and props took away from the action. I imagine people who have never seen a production of this play wondering what was taking place in certain scenes. Needless to say, it is always worth seeing and even more important today with what is going on in the Ukraine."
WTTW - Highly Recommended
"...In addition to an outstanding cast, this Drury Lane production thrives on a superb orchestra ideally conducted by Christopher Sargent; deft choreography by Rommy Sandhu; the clever use of projections by Mike Tutaj; and a spare but effective set by Jack Magaw with lighting by Jason Lynch, costumes by Linda Roethke and meticulous sound by Ray Nardelli."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...This simple, unadorned, and sparse version of one of Broadway’s most classic musical comedies, is now a new, uniquely imaginative production by visionary director Elizabeth Margolius. For theatergoers who think they know this show, Drury Lane’s stripped-down production is very different and should not be missed. It’s a reminder that everything old is often new again. The glory of Broadway’s Golden Era, brought to life by the bounty of talent, both on and offstage, that resides in Chicago, is profound. For audiences who’ve never seen this classic musical, here’s a chance to become familiar with the show, perhaps not as it was originally intended, but in a new, 21st century retelling. For audiences already familiar with Tevye the Milkman and his beautifully-told, heartbreaking story of survival, this production breaks with “Tradition” and offers some food for thought."
Buzznews.net - Highly Recommended
"...It's hard to believe that Fiddler on the Roof turns 60 this year. It's even harder to believe that the show, which opened on Broadway in 1964, can still take an audience by surprise. In continuous production around the globe, and with brides continuously walking down the aisle to "Sunrise, Sunset," Drury Lane Theatre's new version proves Fiddler's mettle once again."
Chicago On Stage - Somewhat Recommended
"...Director Elizabeth Margolius explains in a program note that her take on Fiddler on the Roof is that it is a “memory play.” (Think something like The Glass Menagerie.) Reading her note, I was excited to see a version of this venerable play that explored it from a new angle, and many parts of the production are indeed fascinating. However, the overall effect for this reviewer is the way that the stagnant, presentational staging affects the focus on family and connection that, along with “tradition,” gives this story its raison d’etre."
PicksInSix - Highly Recommended
"...Drury Lane Theatre winds up its 2023/2024 season with a heartfelt production of the Tony Award-winning classic “Fiddler on the Roof” featuring music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and book by Joseph Stein. Set in the Pale of Settlement of Imperial Russia in 1905, this cherished musical centers on Tevye (Mark David Kaplan), an endearing milkman with five daughters, facing challenges to his Jewish religion and cultural traditions as change approaches the village of Anatevka."
Life and Times - Highly Recommended
"...As the old adage goes, everything old is new again. Drury Lane’s “Fiddler on the Roof” takes an old standard and gives it an exciting cerebral twist to make it electrifying to new audiences. Sometimes you have to ask yourself, why do things the way they’ve always been done? Sometimes you have to break from tradition. And when you do, you open yourself up to new successes. Drury Lane Theatre’s “Fiddler on the Roof” is just such a success."
Chicago Culture Authority - Highly Recommended
"...This, above all else, is a story of hope, faith, love and good humor in the face of unrelenting adversity. It is the Jewish story. And it is never-ending, which makes this a show that’s always worth revisiting."
BroadwayWorld - Highly Recommended
"...In this production, there is no fiddler. However, as the lights go down, a single white fiddle appears on the stage. The orchestra, under the direction of Christopher Sargent, adds to the poignancy of the story with Jerry Brock’s haunting score. Fiddler was conceived from stories written by Yiddish author Solomon Rabinovich. As a playwright he was known as Sholom Aleichem. During these times, this story really shows the importance of family and where we came from. See this with your family. It will make you wonder about your own family history. Talk about it. Share it. Write it down. Drury Lane’s production will inspire you to continue to tell your story."
