Alfred Molina, Harvey Fierstein & Danny Burstein Discuss Taking on Iconic Role of FIDDLER's 'Tevye'

In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Fiddler on the Roof lead actors Alfred Molina, Harvey Fierstein and star of the current revival Danny Burstein discuss taking on the iconic role of Tevye in the Broadway musical.

Says Fierstein, "The role of Tevye is an emotionally very difficult role, but absolutely magical. It reaches the height of joy and the depths of despair in those few hours. Here is a man who at the opening of the show believes in God, his best friend, the only male in his life that he can talk to. His wife, he has five daughters, his cow - they're all female!" He continues, "By the end of the show, he doesn't talk to God anymore, God is a luxury he can't afford. Not only does he lose his daughters, but he loses his best friend, he loses his way of life. That's quite a journey. It's incredibly painful to play that role, and yet there's no joy as great as that role because it's so painful."

Agrees Molina, "It's such a brilliant role, and it completely consumed my life. It's hard work - Tevye is in practically every scene. As a younger actor, I tended to go metaphorically running to the part, just tons of energy and "Yeah, let's go!" But you've got hours in front of you every night, sometimes twice a day, of an upward climb, and you learn how to pace yourself."

He shares, "During the first few weeks of previews, I was halfway through the show, thinking, "Why am I so exhausted?" There are a lot of big, big songs and I've never quite felt so consumed by a job, in the best possible way. Not like a burden, but just thinking about it 24/7 and being excited to go to work every day and excited to do it again. I came offstage every night feeling as high as a kite, so proud of us."

Raves current 'FIDDLER' star Burstein, "I love this show, it's a masterpiece. The hardest thing about the role is the stamina. It's not just physical stamina - even though I'm onstage for three hours, except for 13 minutes - and the concentration that it takes. But it's the emotional going-there that you have to do every single night. It's heartbreaking. You really feel like his heart is being torn out of his chest when he has to say goodbye to his daughters. I have two sons that are 22 and 19, and you have to put yourself in that situation that Tevye is going through. It plays with your emotions - you really feel vulnerable, and you take it home with you, as much as you try not to. It's a huge responsibility, and that takes its toll on you. I'm hoping in the course of the run, it gets easier."

Read the interview in full here

The Broadway revival of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF officially opened on December 20 at The Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway). The production is directed by Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher, and choreographed by Hofesh Shechter.

Rediscover the joy as a Broadway tradition returns: Fiddler on the Roof. Tony-winning director Bartlett Sher and the team behind South Pacific and The King and I bring a fresh and authentic vision to this beloved theatrical masterpiece from Tony winner Joseph Stein and Pulitzer Prize winners Jerry Bockand Sheldon Harnick. The original production won ten Tony Awards including a special Tony for becoming the longest-running Broadway musical of all time-and now you can be there when the sun rises on this new production starring Tony nominees Danny Burstein and Jessica Hecht with stunning movement and dance from acclaimed Israeli choreographer Hofesh Shechter based on the original staging by Jerome Robbins.

A wonderful cast and a lavish orchestra tell this heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and the timeless traditions that define faith and family. Featuring the Broadway classics "To Life (L'Chaim!)," "If I Were A Rich Man," "Sunrise Sunset," "Matchmaker, Matchmaker," and "Tradition,"Fiddler on the Roof will introduce a new generation to this uplifting celebration that raises its cup to joy! To love! To life!

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos