Barbara Isenberg to Discuss Her Book, Tradition, at the Westport Library

Half a century has passed since the musical “Fiddler on the Roof” opened and became an instant classic. Hear theater journalist Barbara Isenberg discuss her book “Tradition!: The Highly Improbable, Ultimately Triumphant Broadway-to-Hollywood Story of 'Fiddler on the Roof', the World's Most Beloved Musical" on Wednesday, November  5, at 6:30 pm in the Westport Library’s McManus Room. Books will be available for purchase and signing at the program, which is free and open to the public.  The program is presented in partnership with the Westport Country Playhouse, and  Michael Ross, Managing Director of the Playhouse, will introduce the evening.

The book includes behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes about the film and musical, which are woven with thoughts about the work’s cultural importance and resonance for a large and diverse audience.

“For many of a certain age, the musical’s score is ingrained, part of the DNA. Isenberg’s readable, straightforward history… is a loving tribute to a cultural phenomenon,” says Kirkus Reviews.

“Barbara Isenberg’s history of 'Fiddler on the Roof' ... is definitive. I can’t imagine anyone covering the subject more fascinatingly or eloquently. As someone who was lucky enough to be part of the saga, I applaud 'Tradition!'” says Hal Prince, producer of “Fiddler on the Roof” onstage.

Los Angeles-based journalist and author Isenberg is a long-time contributor to the Los Angeles Times and Time magazine. She is also the author of the Los Angeles Times bestseller “Conversations with Frank Gehry, Making It Big: The Diary of a Broadway Musical” and “State of the Arts: California Artists Talk About Their Work.” She is founder and host of the annual London-based British Theater Backstage.

For further information, phone 203-291-4800, or check westportlibrary.org.