#THEATRE: “FIDDLER ON THE ROOF IN YIDDISH” DEBUTS WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES

One of the most electrifying theatrical events of the last decade is finally coming to Canada. The internationally celebrated revival of Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish with English subtitles arrives at Toronto’s historic Elgin Theatre from May 25 to June 7, 2026. Presented by the Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company (HGJTC), this landmark production is directed by the legendary Tony and Academy Award winner, Joel Grey.

Tony Award nominee and original Yiddish Tevye, Steven Skybell, is reprising his celebrated role alongside an all-Canadian supporting cast. Performed entirely in its original language with English and Russian subtitles, this landmark production has been described as a “revelation” for returning one of Broadway’s most beloved musicals back to its cultural roots in a powerfully authentic theatrical event.

“There is something profoundly moving about hearing Fiddler in Yiddish,” said Joel Grey. “The language carries history, humour, sorrow and resilience all at once. Like hearing opera in its original tongue, it deepens every moment. It allows the story to breathe with emotional truth.”

What began as a planned six-week engagement in New York in 2018 turned into an unprecedented 18-month sensation, earning a Drama Desk Award for Best Revival of a Musical and has been performed more than 500 times. Hailed by The New York Times and Los Angeles Times, the production has earned widespread acclaim and continues to resonate with audiences across generations, faiths and backgrounds.

Set in the Russian shtetl of Anatevka, Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish follows Tevye, a humble milkman navigating love, faith, and family as tradition collides with a rapidly changing world. While rooted in Jewish history, its themes of displacement, identity, and generational change feel strikingly contemporary and reflect universal human experiences that transcend cultural boundaries.

“This production has an uncanny ability to bring people together,” said Avery Saltzman, co-artistic director of Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company. “Audiences who do not speak Yiddish still feel every beat. The storytelling transcends language. It is visceral, funny, heartbreaking and deeply human.”

In an increasingly fragmented world, this story stands as a powerful unifying force—cultivating empathy, deepening cultural understanding, and giving voice to the wisdom passed from parent to child amid constant change. At a time when dialogue surrounding belonging, migration and cultural memory have never been more vital, the timeless, universal story of Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish resonates with extraordinary power.

With Joel Grey at the helm, the creative team behind the much-anticipated Toronto production includes associate director Merete Muenter; associate director, production staging and choreographer Staś Kmieć; associate director and supertitle designer Matthew ‘Motl’ Didner; music supervisor Zalmen Mlotek; and music director Mark Camilleri. Scenic design is by Beowulf Boritt; costume design by Ann Hould-Ward; lighting design by Peter Kaczorowski andEthan Steimel; sound design by Dan Moses Schreier; and hair and wig design by Tom Watson. Casting is by Dayton/Walters Casting, CSA, CDC with Jamibeth Margolis, CSA consulting. The production manager is Ray Salverda.

The Toronto production includes an exceptionally talented cast featuring Steven Skybell; Joey Arrigo; Nick Boegel; Emma Burke-Kleinman; Eric Dahlinger; Jesse Drwiega; Jamie Elman; Gabi Epstein; Michelle Heisler; Isadora Kecman;Joshua Kilimnik; Jeremy Lapalme; Connor J. Lucas; Alice Malakhov; George Masswohl; Tracy Michailidis; Teddy Moynihan; Igor Portnoi; Amy Rivard; Sayer Roberts; Lily Schnoor; Romi Shraiter; Ralph Small; Preston Vendramin; and Theresa Tova.

Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish with English subtitles performance details:
When: May 25 to June 7, 2026 (14 performances)
Where: The Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON
Run time: Three hours including one intermission
Age restrictions: Ten years old and above
Tickets: $36 to $180 (additional fees may apply). Tickets are now on sale via Ticketmaster, calling TO Live at 416-366-7723 or 1-800-708-6754, or via email at: boxoffice@tolive.com

Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish has been financially assisted by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, a program of the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, administered by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund Corporation. HGJTC also acknowledges the support of this production’s sponsors including: Rosalie and Isadore Sharp; Gerald Sheff and Shanitha Kachan; Bank Bros & Son Ltd. in memory of Anne Bank z”l; The Robbins Family in memory of Larry Robbins z”l; Wynn Family Charitable Foundation; Sonny Goldstein – CFP President of Goldstein Financial Consultants; Toby Feldberg and Family; The Linda Frum & Howard Sokolowski Charitable Foundation; Wendy and Elliot Eisen and Family; Toronto Workmen’s Circle Foundation; Greenwin; and Jeff Wagman. Venue sponsor includes the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres and hotel sponsor, Yonge Suites.

Fiddler on the Roof is based on Sholem Aleichem’s Tevye the Milkman stories, presented by special permission of Arnold Perl and through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). The musical features a book by Joseph Stein, music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and has been translated into Yiddish by Shraga Friedman. The original New York stage production was produced by Harold Prince and directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins.

Fans of Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish are encouraged to follow the Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company on Facebook, Instagram and X and to use #FiddlerOnTheRoof to join the conversation.

About the Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company (HGJTC)
The Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company is dedicated to bringing Jewish stories to Toronto’s stages, exploring Jewish history, identity and lived experience while fostering understanding between Jewish and non-Jewish communities. Through a mix of drama, comedy and music, the company presents both contemporary and historical works, including Canadian stories and Holocaust-related narratives, offering a rich and nuanced portrayal of Jewish life. HGJTC aims to strengthen the presence of Canadian Jewish voices in theatre, deepen community engagement, and expand its reach nationally and internationally. For more information, please visit: www.hgjewishtheatre.com.

About the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene (NYTF)
The National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene is America’s longest consecutively producing theatre company and the world’s oldest Yiddish Theatre still in operation. Founded in 1915, the company presents productions in Yiddish and English that revive historic works, commission new pieces and reinterpret classics for contemporary audiences, with subtitles ensuring broad accessibility. Based in New York, NYTF is dedicated to preserving and advancing Yiddish culture on stage while engaging audiences worldwide through live performance and digital programming. For more information, please visit: www.nytf.org.