If I Were a Rich Man...

Tonight, Layne and I are going to see Fiddler on the Roof at Music Hall in Fair Park. The Dallas Summer Musical Series is one of my favorite things that the City of Dallas offers, and I consider myself incredibly lucky that my amazing husband enjoys the theater as well . (At least he puts on a good face about it!) A few weeks ago we went and saw Rent, which was amazing... but I have been waiting for Fiddler to get here. The first off Broadway play I ever saw was Fiddler on the Roof when it came to the Sanger Theater in New Orleans. My dad's first cousin in was the off Broadway production, and the ENTIRE family went to see him perform. You know how big my family is, so you can imagine how many people went.

After the show, my Uncle Bobby (my Maw Maw's brother) rented out a restaurant on Canal for a cast party with the family. We were young. Grammar school young. And we thought we were in heaven. The original orphan Annie from the movie was in the cast of Fiddler on the Roof, and I will always remember her singing "Tomorrow" as someone else played the baby grand piano. It was such a special opportunity, and it was the beginning of what has become a passion. I may not be able to sing, but my family is definitely musically inclined (HELLO! My Dad was in the Golden Band from TigerLand!) and I have developed an appreciation for all kinds of musical abilities- with a weakness for brass instruments.

Doesn't matter what show, doesn't matter what cast... I always find something that I love about the experience. Fiddler on the Roof is one of the best to ever show. It has won nine Tony Awards including best musical, best score, and best choreography, it was the first show to perform over 3000 times, and is the 13th longest running show in Broadway history. (Wiki is so amazing!)

Part of the reason I love Fiddler is because of the background of the story- it takes place in the early 1900's in Tsarist Russia, and the Fiddler is a metaphor for survival through traditions and joyful celebrations in a life of uncertainty and imbalance. I'm really excited for Layne to see it, because I think he's going to enjoy it (if he can keep his eyes open- the show goes way past our bedtime on a work night).

Chaim Topol played the role of Teyve in the 1976, 1981, and 1990 Broadway revivals. The 2009 National Tour (that we're seeing tonight!!!) has been billed Topol "Fiddler on the Roof" the Farewell Tour. I'm so thankful that I am getting the opportunity to see him live- those who have seen him have raised my expectations... and I can't wait for the curtain to rise.

Hope everyone has a nice evening. It's date night in Dallas for the Courts, and I'm pumped!

(A Side Note: Last night we went to the Rough Rider's baseball game (the Ranger's AA team) with the West Rockies Region from work. 4 of us are DINK's (that's dual income no kids) and 2 have kids. After spending the night with 5 kids ranging from 4 to 2, I have a new appreciation for the lifestyle we live.I love children, and one day want to raise a family with Layne. But that one day is someday far off in the future for us.)