Joining a number of other major stage productions as of late, producers Opera Australia and the Gordon Frost Organisation have confirmed that the planned Australian tour of Fiddler on the Roof has had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to be performed in both Sydney and Melbourne this year, the production was unique in that it was to be performed in Yiddish, the language of Tevye and his family, with English subtitles.
Here’s hoping an opportunity comes up in 2021 or beyond for this production to take place.
A full statement provided by the producers can be found below:
Full Statement:
Producers Opera Australia and John Frost are disappointed to announce that both the Sydney and Melbourne seasons of Fiddler on the Roof are unable to proceed for reasons outside our control stemming from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and related government restrictions that have been implemented to reduce the spread of the virus.
Although #FiddlerAU was not due to open until September, this heart-warming musical has been hit hard by the international travel ban, making it impossible for the key creative members, including Oscar and Tony Award-winning director Joel Grey, to travel from the USA for rehearsals, rendering it impossible to stage the show in all its glory, much to the great disappointment of all those involved.
While this decision is a devastating blow to all the performers and crews involved, ensuring the health and well-being of artists, staff and the community as a whole is the absolute priority
We thank our patrons, staff, sponsors and the community for their patience and support as we work through these difficult times.
Patrons who purchased tickets to Fiddler on the Roof will be contacted with details regarding the refund process, and are asked to consider, where possible donating the value of the ticket back to the company or exchanging for a gift voucher that is valid for three years.
