How Jewish Theaters Are Responding to Pandemic Closures (Guest Blog)

“When we’re finally past this horrible crisis, the world will need Jewish humor as much as ever,” playwright Daniel Okrent says

Danny Burstein in Fiddler on the Roof
Photo: Joan Marcus

hollyblog guest blog banner

“Let my name be remembered with laughter,” said Sholem Aleichem, the man whose tales became the basis for a little musical called “Fiddler on the Roof.” On Sunday, a worldwide celebration of the writings of Aleichem, who died in 1916, was performed — virtually of course.

The event may prove a comforting salve for millions who share Aleichem’s religious roots, and perhaps even for those who don’t. (After all, did anyone not weepily relate when Tevye sang “Sunrise, Sunset”?) Many viewers of all faiths have streamed “Unorthodox,” endlessly rerun Larry and Jerry’s sitcom kvetching, gone to a nearby stage to see Joshua Harmon’s “Bad Jews” (which in 2015 was one of the most produced plays of the year) and anxiously await Mrs.

Comments