FIDDLER ON THE ROOF's Choreographer Hofesh Shechter On Bending Musical Theatre's Traditions

Choreographer Hofesh Shechter admits to not quite understanding his instructions when Fiddler on the Roof director Bartlett Sher told him, "You have to base it on the Jerome Robbins choreography, but you're free to do whatever you want."

The current mounting is the sixth time the classic musical by Jerry Bock (music), Sheldon Harnick (lyrics) and Joseph Stein (book) has visited Broadway and, as is typical for works created under the guiding hand of director/choreographer Jerome Robbins, there are certain visuals that, at least in the minds of audiences, seem indelibly written into the script.

The traditions of musical theatre are new to Shechter, who is a major name in the dance world with an acclaimed London company bearing his name and work represented in the repertory of the most highly regarded dance troupes in Europe and America.

"That's the DNA of my dance education," he explained to the New York Times. "I have been to Orthodox weddings. I know how it looks like, how it has to feel. I didn't have to research. My life is the research."

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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 BursteinandJessica 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!