BWW Exclusive: The Muny's FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Will Feature New Song by Sheldon Harnick & Jerry Bock

The Muny just announced that its production of Fiddler on the Roof will feature the world stage premiere of a new song.

Originally written for the 1971 film by Jerry Bock (music) and Sheldon Harnick (lyrics), "Any Day Now" is sung by the character Perchik in Act Two of Fiddler. It replaces "Now I Have Everything." The song has been orchestrated by music director Brad Haak and will be sung by MarRick Smith who is playing Perchik. It will be performed by the 24-piece Muny orchestra.

Director Gary Griffin discovered the song in 2014 when he worked with Mr. Harnick on an evening about Fiddler's creation and history at New York's 92nd Street Y.

"I just loved this song," said Griffin, "When Sheldon casually mentioned that he had always wanted to see it put into a stage version, I asked his permission for us to use it for The Muny production. I am so honored he said yes and is coming to St. Louis to see our production."

While here, legendary Broadway writer Sheldon Harnick will be inducted into the Muny Hall of Fame.

"We are so honored," said Muny artistic director and executive producer Mike Isaacson. "Not only do we give our audiences a world premiere of a song written by one of Broadway's greatest writing teams, we also join our colleagues around the country who have been celebrating the incredible contributions of Mr. Harnick."

In June of this year, Mr. Harnick received a special Tony Award for lifetime achievement, as well as The Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater. Two of his most

celebrated works Fiddler on The Roof and She Loves Me were both revived on Broadway this past season.

Mr. Harnick's career began in the 1950s with songs in revues both on and off Broadway (e.g. The Boston Beguine, The Merry Little Minuet). With Jerry Bock he created a number of memorable musicals including Fiorello! (Tony Award, Pulitzer Prize), Tenderloin, The Apple Tree, She Loves Me, (Grammy Award) and Fiddler on the Roof (Tony Award). Other collaborations: Rex (Richard Rodgers), A Christmas Carol, (Michel Legrand), A Wonderful Life (Joe Raposo), The Phantom Tollbooth (Arnold Black) and The Audition (Marvin Hamlisch). He has written two musicals himself: Dragons and A Doctor in Spite of Himself. Currently: Rothschild and Sons (a re- conceived version of The Rothschilds). Mr. Harnick is a member of the Dramatists Guild and the Songwriters Guild.

The Muny's Hall of Fame was established in 1985 to recognize some of Broadway's most iconic luminaries. Its mission is to remember and honor those men and women who have made invaluable contributions to The Muny's 98-year history. Performers, composers, lyricists and administrative leaders represent some of the most recognizable and influential show business personalities of this century and the last. Among this list include Irving Berlin, Frederick Loewe, Oscar Hammerstein II and Cole Porter just to name a few.

Fiddler on the Roof is directed by Gary Griffin, choreographed by Alex Sanchez, with music direction by Brad Haak, scenic design by Robert Mark Morgan, costume design by Amy Clark, lighting design by Rob Denton, sound design by John Shivers and David Patridge, and video design by Nathan W. Scheuer. Wig design is by John Metzner and the production stage manager is Bonnie Panson. Fiddler on the Roof is proudly sponsored by Ameren.

Fiddler on the Roof runs July 30 - August 5.
Season and single tickets are now on sale daily at The Muny Box Office from 9am - 9pm and online at MetroTix.com.

World Wide Technology (WWT) and The Steward Family Foundation have once again made a leadership gift to continue as the Muny's 2016 Season Presenting Sponsor. They became the first overall season sponsor in the 98-year history of The Muny in 2014 and will continue in that role through 2016.

Southwest Airlines® is the Official Airline of The Muny and Supplier of Cast Transportation.