Some Geeky Musical-Lover's Gushings

I think that it was way back in February when I first heard that Fiddler on the Roof would be coming to Chicago. Oh man, I was SO excited! Also that night I realized that it would be starring Topol - THE Topol - the movie was made in 1971 and I actually have the chance to see him live in 2009?? I was so excited I could hardly sleep.

Understand that Fiddler on the Roof is pretty much my favorite musical of all time. I have loved many musicals in my day: Phantom of the Opera, Aida, Wicked; but Fiddler is the one that has withstood the test of time.

So, I soon learned that Fiddler would be playing here in June and, after a call to the ticket office, that tickets would go on sale "about 30 days" before the show opened. On the morning of April 1st, I was on the website trying to get tickets. They were not available!! Ok, they were selling group passes and specialty tickets, but nothing to us normal folks without any special affiliation with anything. I visited that site pretty much everyday for a week before I was able to get the tickets for my hubby and me. (ok, i admit that i completely geeked-out about these tickets..... but i was so afraid they would sell out and we wouldn't be able to go!!!) I mean, this was Topol's final tour of this performance (which is really remarkable considering the guy is 73) and I didn't want to miss it.

So, I bought the tickets in May, and by the time June finally rolled around and the day that the tickets were for finally arrived, there was all sorts of anticipation and expectation and excitement built up.
And, oh man.. the wait was DEFINITELY worth it.

It was awesome! It was so clear that Topol had become so very familiar with this role (the program notes said he'd done it more than 2,500 times); he had so many little gestures and small asides that he has worked into his character's actions throughout the play. It was really great to watch.
Plus, it was great fun to see the differences on stage from the movie that I'm so familiar with.

The dream scene, with Fruma Sarah, was great. Of course in the movie you can do all sorts of fabulous effects, but the play, while perhaps less huge and showy, was equally effective. (i love that scene)

Also, they included the bottle-on-the-hat dance at the wedding with the same choreography.. it was so amazing to watch! (I love that scene too)

Mmmm.. yep. So much geeky musical-lover's love going on here. I'm so glad we went to see it!