Director Selects: Steven Skybell's unique memories of Yiddish in his life

I will soon be heading to New York City for the start of “Yiddish Fiddler” rehearsals. While most of the cast is returning, it is important for everyone to refresh their roles and make adjustments for our version at The Soraya. After years directing opera, I feel at home in a rehearsal room with any language other than my own. 

Since we first announced this collaboration with the National Yiddish Theater Folksbiene, many people have shared with me their very personal stories about Yiddish – memories, family connections, sadness about the passing of generations and traditions, and so much more. I am reminded that this project is not only authentic for dramaturgical reasons (the characters in Fiddler would have spoken Yiddish), it is powerful for its historic significance as well.

This Soraya Concert Production, featuring a majority of the original Broadway cast and Director Joel Grey, is led by Steven Skybell —portraying Tevye the milkman.  Today I re-share Steven Skybell’s interview in which he talks about performing in Yiddish. I so look forward to meeting him in person next week. He’s slipping in Fiddler rehearsals between performances of Cabaret on Broadway. While I am in New York, The Soraya social media team has asked me to share the experience on Instagram and Facebook, so please follow along. 

If you are unsure if this production is for you, please pause to consider. There are few shows I know that received such rave reviews. And don’t worry – the translation will be projected in English on the backdrop, so you won’t miss a word.

Gratefully,

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