Virtual Book Launch Party
On The Roof
A look inside Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish
by Samantha Hahn
A virtual celebration to launch the behind-the-scenes book, “On the Roof: A Look Inside Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish” by one of the show’s stars, Samantha Hahn
“On the Roof” is an inside look at Off-Broadway’s Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish, the ground-breaking, award-winning musical that was first presented by National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene at the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust to sold-out audiences – prompting multiple extensions of the smash hit before it moved uptown to Off-Broadway’s Stage 42.
The virtual doors to the book party will open at 2:15 PM and begin with a special montage of backstage videos from Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish until the program begins.
During the live event, audience members will be able to ask questions of the cast and creative team in the chat space.
In the book, Samantha Hahn, the youngest member of the cast, tells the story of how “Yiddish Fiddler” came to be. The book features interviews with the cast, crew, and creative team – each with a unique take on the show and the impact it has had on their lives. On the Roof takes the reader on a never-before-seen journey – from rehearsals that end in tears and screaming in elevators, to the beautiful bonds between company members as strangers turn into family.
The book party will include a discussion moderated by Yiddish Fiddler Lead Producer Jana Robbins, who produced the show uptown at Stage 42 , with special guests: Tony and Academy Award-winning Director Joel Grey, NYTF Artistic Director Zalmen Mlotek, and Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish castmates Stephanie Lynn Mason (Hodl), Rosie Jo Neddy (Khave), Raquel Nobile (Shprintze), and Rachel Zatcoff (Tsaytl) – and include a special appearance by the star of stage and screen Bebe Neuwirth.
Featuring
Joel Grey, Samantha Hahn, Stephanie Lynne Mason, Zalmen Mlotek, Rosie Jo Neddy, Bebe Neuwirth, Raquel Nobile, Jana Robbins, Rachel Zatcoff
About the Author
Samantha Hahn is an author and actress, most recently having made her Off-Broadway debut as Beylke in Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish. She studies musical theatre at Manhattan School of Music and is the voice of Trinket the Unicorn on Nick Jr.’s Nella The Princess Knight in both the US and UK. Samantha is currently storytelling in New York City.
Pulling back the curtain
Author Samantha Hahn “A Look Inside Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish!”
On Sunday, May 2 at 2:30 PM (ET), we’re throwing a party to celebrate the new book “On the Roof: A Look Inside Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish” by one of the show’s stars, Samantha Hahn. “On the Roof” is an inside look at our smash hit Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish. We sat down with Samantha to discuss the show!
What was it about this production that made you want to audition?
I had always loved Fiddler on the Roof because my family and I watched it a lot growing up. When I was younger, I sang “Do You Love Me” around the house all the time! Then when we saw it on Broadway in 2015, I turned to my mom and said, “I wish I could audition to play one of the daughters!” So, when I saw a post about auditions for the Yiddish Fiddler, I knew I wanted to be there. I had no idea how special this production would be!
Pull back the curtain: tell us one entertaining thing that took place behind the scenes!
It’s so hard to think of one that didn’t end up in the book! One little thing that was always funny was that Steven Skybell painted some grey spots into his beard, and when he would kiss all of the daughters on the forehead before “Sabbath Prayer,” the grey makeup got all over us. We would come offstage and wipe each other’s faces off! Raquel Nobile, who played Shprintze, started just grabbing my face and saying, “Beard Check!” when we got off stage and it was so funny.
You could tell that the cast became a family.
Yes – from the very first day of rehearsal! We took a break for lunch and we all ended up eating together at a picnic table. We had so much fun as a cast – from potlucks and picnic lunches between shows, to pool parties, “Game of Thrones” watch parties, and a Broadway bowling league. We had a big mix of ages and personalities, but we all had in common how much we loved doing the show.
Had you expected it would become so successful?
I remember some of my castmates telling me they thought we would extend and a week or two past our initial summer run, and that was so exciting and wild to me. Then it just got even more exciting because the audiences kept coming! We loved doing the show so much, so it was always very joyful to hear that we would get to keep doing it for a little bit longer.
How was Joel Grey as a director?
Joel is a mensch, and an incredible director. I learned so much from working with him! I think his generosity, kindness, and courage with our production, and with us as a cast, really set the tone for our whole production.
What surprised you most about the production?
So many things! Right now, I’m thinking that what surprised me most is that I got to learn and grow so much with the show, but at the same time I got to make the best friends ever backstage.
What was it like having four older sisters in the show?
They’re all so amazing, and they were generous with me from day one. Stephanie Lynne Mason, who is always so caring, helped me tie my Schmatta on the very first day. And Rosie Jo Neddy got me a whole ice cream cake to celebrate my last day in the show downtown! Raquel Nobile, who is probably the friendliest person I know, became my bestie and partner in crime from day one – and she still is. And Rachel Zatcoff of course, she is my best friend and I look up to her so much. It’s just like having real sisters!
What’s next on the horizon for you?
I’m so excited to be graduating from the Manhattan School of Music with a BM in Musical Theatre at the end of May! I’m very lucky to be signed with Bonnie Shumofsky Bloom at Stewart Talent, so I’m auditioning all the time and can’t wait to do a lot more performing.
No Registration Required
Free
LIVE EVENT
Sunday, May 2 at 2:30 PM ET
Bringing the stage to you
Featuring theater, American Jewish performers, workshops, and other events to entertain audiences young and old.
National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene
At the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust
Edmond J. Safra Plaza
36 Battery Place, New York, NY 10280
Administration: 212-213-2120
Box Office 212-213-2120 ext. 606