
Olivier Awards: ‘Fiddler on the Roof' Secures Most Nominations
The show got 13 nods — seven more than any other musical or play — including best musical revival, where it is up against a production of 'Hello, Dolly!' starring Imelda Staunton, which ran at the London Palladium, as well as ongoing revivals of 'Oliver!' at the Gielgud Theater and 'Starlight Express' at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theater.
Directed by Jordan Fein, 'Fiddler on the Roof' is a stripped-back version of the tale of a Jewish milkman in Czarist Russia who is marrying off his daughters against a backdrop of antisemitic pogroms. It received rave reviews when it opened last August at the Regent's Park Open Air Theater. (It transfers to the Barbican Center on May 24).
Marianka Swain, writing in The Daily Telegraph, called the production 'a masterclass in balancing innovation with tradition.' Fein resisted the temptation to draw out the musical's parallels to contemporary events like Russia's invasion of Ukraine or surging antisemitism, Swain wrote. 'No need when they come through so powerfully anyway,' the reviewer added.
Fein is nominated in the best director category, where he will face tight competition from the directors of three of the past year's most critically acclaimed plays: Nicholas Hytner for 'Giant,' about Roald Dahl's antisemitism, staged last year at the Royal Court and opening in April on the West End; Robert Icke for a version of 'Oedipus' that ran at Wyndham's Theater; and Eline Arbo for 'The Years,' running at the Harold Pinter Theater.
'The Years,' which tells the story of a Frenchwoman's life from early childhood to late-in-life affairs, has recently been the talk of London's theater scene, because numerous audience members have fainted during a scene in which she tries to give herself an abortion with a knitting needle.
Both 'The Years' and 'Giant' secured five nominations and will compete for the coveted best new play award, alongside 'Kyoto,' about climate change negotiations, which is running at @sohoplace until May 3, and 'Shifters,' about two high school lovers who meet eight years after splitting up, which ran at the Duke of York's Theater.
'The Fear of 13,' a production starring Adrien Brody that ran at the Donmar Warehouse, makes up the best new play nominees.
Brody secured a nomination in the best actor category for his performance as a man sentenced to death for a rape and murder that he did not commit. He will compete for that prize against Paapa Essiedu, for 'Death of England: Delroy' at @sohoplace; John Lithgow for his turn as Roald Dahl in 'Giant'; Mark Strong for his performance in the title role of 'Oedipus' at Wyndham's Theater; and Billy Crudup for 'Harry Clarke' at the Ambassadors Theater.
The winners of this year's awards are scheduled to be announced on April 6 in a ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Another category likely to be closely watched is best actress, because it sees two competing Jocastas: Lesley Manville, nominated for 'Oedipus' at Wyndham's Theater; and Indira Varma, nominated for a different 'Oedipus' at the Old Vic Theater.
Also nominated in that category are Heather Agyepong for 'Shifters,' Rosie Sheehy for 'Machinal' at the Old Vic, and Meera Syal for 'A Tupperware Of Ashes' at the National Theater.
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New York Post
11 hours ago
- New York Post
Staten Island summer theater rises again for first time since COVID: ‘Emotional tie for all of us'
The lights are back up in Staten Island. The borough's summer theater is operating again for the first time since COVID swept through the city half a decade ago — and the stars of the show are celebrating the return like a family reunion. Ten families and countless friend connections make up the cast of this year's 'Fiddler on the Roof' production — relying on their close-knit links to bring the little Russian town of Anatevka to life on the CUNY College of Staten Island stage. 11 Lee Tennenbaum and BJ High rehearsing for their roles as Golde and Tevye in a production of 'Fiddler on the Roof' at the College of Staten Island on July 24, 2025. Rachman 11 High performing in a scene with Claire Scala (Fiddler) at rehearsal. Rachman 'It was really important for me to bring the connections that I had growing up so that it felt like an emotional tie for all of us,' said Bronwyn Fugate, the show's director and choreographer, to The Post. 'Myself and many of the cast members are community theater kids that grew up with our families doing theater,' Fugate said. 'We were the generation that would sit and watch our parents create lighting design or be the directors or be on the stage. 'It was a no-brainer that these were the people that I wanted to be the inhabitants of Anatevka because that is kind of the heartbeat, the pulse of Anatevka.' More than 90 people auditioned for the inaugural community theater production show, with 46 people and an orchestra of 10 musicians making the final cut. 11 'Fiddler on the Roof' is the College of Staten Island's first summer theater production since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Rachman 11 The cast of 'Fiddler' rehearsing choreography for the show. Rachman The cast and crew have been in intense rehearsals five days a week since the end of May — and have their eyes set on a July 31 opening night. As grueling as the process has been, the players said they treat the experience like a homecoming and an excuse to spend time with one another — especially those who are sharing the stage with their own families. BJ High, 46, said he is honored to play the leading man, the impoverished milkman Tevye, with his wife and son at his side. 11 BJ High, a retired NYPD officer, is performing alongside his wife Christie and son Liam. Rachman 11 The cast of 'Fiddler on the Roof' listening to notes from director Bronwyn Fugate during a rehearsal. Rachman 'We run lines at homes, in the kitchen, wherever we are, in the pool, in bed, and the basement, any room, we can,' said High, a retired NYPD officer, adding that he met wife, Christie, on stage during a 1998 performance of 'The Most Happy Fella.' 'If the kids aren't bothering us too much, I grab a script,' he said. 'We took a trip recently, and while I was driving, I'd have the two of them acting out scenes with me. It was great.' 11 High singing a song as Tevye with Amelia Gordon (Tzietel), left, and Adam Simancas (Motel the tailor). Rachman The experience has been made even more special because of the message behind the play — which explores clinging to tradition during a time of political and social upheaval. ' 'The Fiddler' is about family, it's about tradition, and it's the perfect show for this cast with these people in this space, because it basically goes back to the ideas of the show,' said Peter Ascolese, 41, the play's costume designer. 'It's tradition, it's generations, it's being all together to do something special,' he said. 'Once I saw the cast list, I was like, how do I get involved?' 11 Katie Callahan, center poses with her daughter Claire, and father Ed during a rehearsal. Rachman 11 High in a scene with Katie Micha (Chava). Rachman This year's show is dedicated to the memory of Jennifer Straniere, who ran the performing arts program at the College of Staten Island for 18 years before passing away in June 2021. 'Fiddler on the Roof' was chosen as this year's performance because Straniere fondly referred to it as her favorite — and one she, her husband and newborn daughter performed in together in 1984. The father-daughter pair are back this summer to carry on Straniere's legacy on the stage, and this time with Strainiere's granddaughter in tow. 11 Judge Philip Staniere (Rabbi), left, poses with his daughter Amanda (Village Mama) and granddaughter Abby Hart (Bielke) during a rehearsal. Rachman 11 Katie Micha, right, poses with her aunt Lee Tennenbaum, second left, and cousins, Lucy Schnall, left, and Molly Schnall, second right, at a rehearsal for 'Fiddler on the Roof.' Rachman Katie Micha, 30, who plays Chava, the youngest daughter of Tevye, also is taking the stage this year with her aunt and two cousins, a mission they call a 'family affair.' 'It's one of my favorite musicals ever. Besides the music being fabulous … it's just a really fabulous show, and I am so excited to be doing this,' Micha said. 'It's really cool to see the whole Staten Island theater community come together. It's very special. We all have known each other forever. All of our families know each other.'

Cosmopolitan
2 days ago
- Cosmopolitan
Rachel Zegler Is Set to Return to 'Evita' After Leaving Mid-Show
Rachel Zegler's gig as the titular character in Jamie Lloyd's revival of Evita at the London Palladium has been all over our social feeds thanks to her stunning performances, but she made headlines for a different reason during her latest show. On July 24, the Cosmopolitan cover girl suddenly exited the stage mid-show as she had fallen ill. According to People, Rachel's departure was announced during intermission, and her understudy, Bella Brown, stepped into the role despite appearing as Perón's Mistress earlier in the night. After a 45-minute intermission, Bella transformed into Evita just in time for the Tony-winning musical's second act. A source in the audience told E! News, 'The interval lasted almost 40 to 45 minutes and then the balcony scene with Bella began. You would have thought the roof was going to cave in from the applause. Even more so when she entered on stage for the first time after the balcony scene.' She opened with the iconic number, 'Don't Cry for Me, Argentina,' marking her second time playing Eva Perón after she made her debut on July 14. In this production, Jamie Lloyd and Andrew Lloyd Webber pulled a page from his Sunset Blvd. book and takes the performance outdoors. At this point in the show, Eva sings to a crowd of Argentinians from the balcony of the Presidential Palace, which is actually the London Palladium's balcony IRL. Since Evita's opening night on July 1, the general public has swarmed the outside of the venue on Argyll Street to catch a glimpse of the stars in action. After Bella carried the rest of the show in Rachel's absence, she received a standing ovation that lasted nearly five minutes, and according to fans on social media, the cast had bowed 10 separate times during the curtain call. She expressed her appreciation for the cast, crew, and crowd with a series of Instagram Stories following the performance. 'Today really showed just how important swings and covers are within this industry,' the actress later wrote in an Instagram Story. 'They are pillars of a show!! A proud day to be at Evita.' In a separate post, she added, 'What a lucky audience getting to see both myself and MY ANGEL REG ZEG!!' While we hope Rachel has a speedy recovery, her rep confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that she is scheduled to return and perform Friday evening.


New York Post
3 days ago
- New York Post
Rachel Zegler abruptly exits ‘Evita' performance mid-show — and understudy receives standing ovation
Rachel Zegler had to exit stage left on Thursday. The actress, 24, who is currently starring in 'Evita' at the London Palladium on the West End, abruptly left the evening performance due to illness. According to People, they announced Zegler's departure during intermission. 12 Rachel Zegler during a performance of 'Evita.' 12 Bella Brown perform's 'Don't Cry For Me Argentina.' Getty Images 12 Bella Brown attends the press night afterparty for 'Evita.'The 'Snow White' star's understudy, Bella Brown, took over during the second act, opening the scene with the famous tune, 'Don't Cry for Me Argentina.' Despite the switch-up, the audience was pleased with Brown's performance. They gave the young star a nearly five-minute standing ovation. Brown and the rest of the cast also took 10 bows. 'Today really showed just how important swings and covers are within this industry,' the actress wrote on her Instagram Stories. 'They are pillars of a show!! A proud day to be at 'Evita.'' Brown added in a follow-up post, 'What a lucky audience getting to see both me and MY ANGEL REG ZEG!!' 12 Bella Brown takes over as Eva Peron in 'Evita.' Getty Images Zegler is starring as the former first lady of Argentina in the musical, which first debuted in 1978. The show was written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. On Thursday, Zegler previously performed during the matinee show before leaving in the middle of the night run. It is unclear if she will return to the stage on Friday. The singer is set to star in 'Evita' through Sept. 6. The production began its run in June. 12 Rachel Zegler attends the press night after party for 'Evita.'At the time of the show's opening, Zegler took to Instagram to gush over the opportunity. 'I couldn't be luckier,' she shared in a lengthy message. 'I have such a deep love for everyone who has touched this production. I never thought I would get to live my dream this way. Surrounded by the most amazing people. I feel so held.' In March, Zegler noted that starring in Jamie Lloyd's production of 'Evita' had always been a dream. ''Evita' has been such an important musical to me since I was a little girl, when my dad and I would sing 'Don't Cry for Me Argentina' together on my back patio,' she told Deadline. 'The opportunity to bring Jamie Lloyd's singular, visionary ideas to life onstage is an honor unlike any other,' continued Zegler. 'The stage has always felt like home to me, and I can't wait to make my West End debut in such great company.' But after opening night, Zegler sparked criticism from some fans. She performed 'Don't Cry For Me Argentina' from a balcony overlooking the street outside the venue. 12 Rachel Zegler performs the encore of 'Evita' at the London Palladium. Raphael Pour-Hashemi/Mega 12 Rachel Zegler in a June show of 'Evita.' Raphael Pour-Hashemi/Mega Paying audience members were forced to watch a livestream of the performance on a screen from their seats. 'I'm excited to see her, but not sure how I feel about paying that much to watch the most iconic moment on a screen,' one viewer penned on X. Another social media user called the move 'a bit of a rip off' and blamed production. 'Sorry, are you saying I've paid that much for 2 tickets and she's singing the biggest number outside at people who haven't paid?' a third person chimed in. Rounding out the angry messages, someone else insisted, 'I think you might potentially be a bit gutted [if you were inside the theatre]. I know they had it on the projectors, but you might be a bit gutted to have missed the most important song.' Not everyone was upset by the strategic move. Some fans pointed out that it benefits those who could not afford to see a West End show. 12 Rachel Zegler delivers a stirring rendition of 'Don't Cry For Me Argentina.' JP / BACKGRID 'Absolutely stunning idea and a beautiful symbol – while the rich sit inside the theatre watching from the screen, Evita is outside on the balcony of the theatre addressing all those who can't afford to go to the theatre and/or are living on the streets of London,' one follower gushed on X. 'The whole idea of staging the song this way is truly incredible. Emotional. It says a lot, and I am here for it!' Along with an incredible run on stage, Zegler has also found love behind the scenes. Earlier this month, the 'Spellbound' actress was spotted kissing backup dancer Nathan Louis-Fernand at Hyde Park. 12 Rachel Zegler sings 'Don't Cry For Me Argentina' from the balcony of the London Palladium. Raphael Pour-Hashemi / MEGA 12 Rachel Zegler was presented with a unique portrait of herself. MEGA On July 6, the couple attended a Sabrina Carpenter concert and were pictured holding hands while the pop star performed. Other photos showed Zegler leaning on Louis-Fernand and smiling as they chatted closely. The professional dancer previously performed in 'Magic Mike Live' in London, gushing about the experience in a May Instagram post. 'When I was Mike a.k.a Miguel,' Louis-Fernand captioned the clip from his time in the show. Zegler commented, 'You posting this in your birthday is such jokes' to which he replied, '@rachelzegler they just happened to fall on the same day 🤷🏾♂️ a happy accident if you will 😂😂.' The 'West Side Story' vet previously dated her 'Hunger Games' co-star, Josh Andrés Rivera, in 2021. However, the exes quietly split 'late last year,' according to Us Weekly sources. Zegler's latest role, meanwhile, comes on the heels of a controversial year. She received widespread backlash while promoting Disney's live-action film, 'Snow White.' 12 Rachel Zegler spotted out with Nathan Louis-Fernand. BACKGRID 12 Rachel Zegler and the company attend the press night after party for 'Evita.'Zegler, who played Snow White in the movie, went on a rant against those who voted for Donald Trump in the 2024 election. She posted in a series of now-deleted Instagram Stories: 'May Trump supporters and Trump voters and Trump himself never know peace.' Many Trump supporters took to social media to share that they were boycotting the film. In turn, the film flopped at the box office. Disney producer Marc Platt's son, Jonah Platt, slammed Zegler for being 'immature.'