Along with the blaring burlesque trumpet that climaxes GYPSY's overture, the soft and hesitant sound of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF's opening fiddle solo that leads into Tevye's introduction of the people of Anatevka is among Broadway's most famous and beloved orchestral moments.
On stage at the current hit Broadway revival, dancer Jesse Kovarsky appears as the title character, but while he has learned the physicality needed to realistically portray the symbolic musician, it's concert violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins who caresses the ears from the orchestra pit.
Broadway is something new for the acclaimed classical violinist and recording artist. Winner of a Naumburg International Violin Competition Honorarium Prize as well as a Concert Artists Guild Career Grant, Hall-Tompkins is more typically seen as a soloist with orchestras such as the Dallas Symphony, Jacksonville Symphony, Tulsa Philharmonic, Chamber Orchestra of New York and Philharmonic of Uruguay, in addition to numerous concerts and recitals in cities including New York, Washington, Cleveland, Toronto, Chicago, Baltimore, and Greenville, South Carolina, and at festivals in France, Germany and Italy.
But apparently, her gig at FIDDLER ON THE ROOF has inspired her to record a new solo album, "The Fiddler: Expanding Tradition," which will be released later this year. The album will feature new solo music by Hall-Tompkins and the current FIDDLER ON THE ROOF revival's arranger Oran Eldor and music director/orchestrator Ted Sperling.
Hall-Tompkins writes on AfriClassical, "Inspired by my good friend Danny Burstein's prodigious and endearing 'Tevye' night after night, I have written my own solo violin version of 'If I Were a Rich Man' and dedicate it to Danny. Sheldon Harnick, FIDDLER's original lyricist (and also amateur violinist) loves my arrangement and is working with me and the Bock Estate on next steps, so violinists stay tuned!"
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.
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."
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 byDonald 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.