Though Herschel Bernardi's name was above the title on the opening nights of Broadway's BAJOUR and ZORBA, the musical theatre role he's most known for is one where he came in as a replacement, Teyve in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. After joining the original Broadway company in 1965, he played the deeply religious dairyman trying to adjust to a changing world both in New York and on tour for over 1,200 performances.
His son, Michael C. Bernardi, who makes his Broadway debut as Mordcha the Innkeeper in the current Broadway revival, was profiled in an in-depth BroadwayWorld interview. As one of the Tevye understudies, he recently received his first opportunity to appear on Broadway in the role that meant so much to propel his father's career.
In the video, he reveals five things he learned from Herschel Bernardi.
Fiddler on the Roof began previews at The Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway, at 53rd Street) on November 20, 2015 and officially opened on Sunday, December 20, 2015. Fiddler on the Roof will play its final performance on Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.
A beloved theatrical classic from Tony Award-winner
Joseph Stein, and Pulitzer Prize- winners
Jerry Bock and
Sheldon Harnick,
Fiddler on the Roof is directed by Tony Award-winner
Bartlett Sher (South Pacific, The King and I); choreographed by the acclaimed Israeli choreographer
Hofesh Shechter; inspired by the original choreography of
Jerome Robbins; and has musical direction by
Ted Sperling.
Fiddler on the Roof, which boast a cast of 40 actors and an orchestra of 23 musicians, was nominated for three 2016 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Revival, Best Choreography (
Hofesh Shechter) and Best Actor in a Musical (
Danny Burstein). Additionally,
Fiddler on the Roof took home two Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Director of a Musical (Bart Sher) and Outstanding Actor in a Musical (
Danny Burstein). Burstein was also awarded the Outer Critics Circle Award for the Outstanding Actor in a Musical.
Fiddler on the Roof is the heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and life, love and laughter. This classic musical is rich with Broadway hits, including "To Life (L'Chaim!)," "If I Were A Rich Man," "Sunrise Sunset," "Matchmaker, Matchmaker," and "Tradition."
The cast of
Fiddler on the Roof features six-time Tony Award-nominee and Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award-winner
Danny Burstein as Tevye, Tony-nominee
Jessica Hecht as Golde,
Jenny Rose Baker, Michael C. Bernardi,
Hayley Feinstein,
Mitch Greenberg,
Adam Grupper,
Adam Kantor,
Karl Kenzler,
Alix Korey,
Samantha Massell,
Melanie Moore,
George Psomas,
Ben Rappaport,
Nick Rehberger,
Jeffrey Schecter,
Alexandra Silber and
Steven Skybell. The ensemble features Jill Abramotiz,
Julie Benko,
Stephen Carrasco,
Eric Chambliss,
Ben Cherry,
Austin Goodwin,
Jacob Guzman,
Jesse Kovarsky,
Reed Luplau,
Brandt Martinez,
Stephanie Lynne Mason, Zach McNally,
Matt Moisey,
Sarah Parker,
Marla Phelan,
Tess Primack,
Jessica Vosk,
Silvia Vrskova,
Jonathan Royse Windham, Andrew Wojtal,
Aaron Youngand
Jennifer Zetlan.
Fiddler on the Roof has scenic design by
Michael Yeargan (Tony Award-nominee, The King and I), costume design by
Catherine Zuber (Tony Award-winner, The King and I), lighting design by
Donald Holder (Tony Award-nominee, The King and I), sound design by
Scott Lehrer (Tony Award-winner, South Pacific), and hair and wig design by
Tom Watson. Casting is by Telsey + Co./Abbie Brady Dalton.
Fiddler on the Roof is presented on Broadway by
Jeffrey Richards,
JAM Theatricals,
Louise Gund and
Jerry Frankel.