California Theatre - The Golden Bay Times

In the village of Anatevka, Tevye has plenty of responsibilities, very little money, and a running conversation with God that sounds suspiciously like a friendly argument. A Jewish dairyman raising five daughters with his practical wife, Golde, he trusts tradition to keep life balanced. Unfortunately for his peace of mind, his daughters have begun developing opinions of their own, especially about whom they should marry. The local matchmaker can arrange introductions, but she cannot stop young hearts from making inconvenient choices. As courtship brings excitement into the household, Tevye finds himself negotiating between the customs he treasures and the happiness his children want. Beyond the family’s doorstep, life in imperial Russia carries uncertainties that even his best jokes cannot dismiss. With music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and a book by Joseph Stein, this beloved musical turns everyday worries into songs that feel both intimate and enormous. “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” and “Sunrise, Sunset” help tell a story filled with affectionate humor, family friction, and the courage required to face change. Tevye may not have the answers, but he certainly has questions, and watching him wrestle with them is the heart of the journey.