Tevye explains the role of God’s law in the villagers’ lives, insisting that without their traditions, they would find life “as shaky as a fiddler on the roof.”

Three of Tevye’s daughters—Tzeitel, Hodel, and Chava—wonder if the matchmaker will find them the men of their dreams. The matchmaker, Yente, tells Golde she has selected the butcher, Lazar Wolf, as a match for Tzeitel.

Tevye reflects on how much he wishes he had a small fortune. A group of villagers, including a revolutionary student named Perchik, approaches him with news of a violent pogrom in a nearby village. Tevye invites Perchik to Sabbath dinner and arranges for him to instruct his daughters. Motel, the timid tailor, tries to ask Tevye for Tzeitel’s hand but gets tongue-tied. The family welcomes the Sabbath.

Tevye meets with Lazar Wolf and agrees to the match. A boisterous celebration follows. On his way home, Tevye meets the Constable, who warns of a planned demonstration against the Jews of Anatevka. Tevye, inebriated, conjures The Fiddler, who plays as Tevye dances home.

Tevye tells Tzeitel she is to marry Lazar Wolf. Golde rejoices, but Motel soon tells Tevye that he and Tzeitel have pledged to marry. After internal struggle, Tevye agrees and manufactures a wild nightmare to convince Golde that the match with Lazar will lead to Tzeitel’s death at the hands of Lazar’s first wife, Fruma-Sarah.

Villagers gossip about the change in Tzeitel’s wedding plans. On the street, Russians taunt Chava. Fyedka, a young Russian, insists they stop. Afterward, he follows Chava into Motel’s shop to try to speak with her, but leaves when Motel enters.

The musicians lead to Tzeitel and Motel’s wedding. Perchik asks Hodel to dance, and she accepts—a forbidden act. Everyone joins in. The Constable and his men suddenly enter and destroy everything in sight. Perchik is struck with a club. The Constable bows to Tevye and apologizes. The family begins to clean up.

Tevye chats with God about recent events. Perchik tells Hodel he’s leaving to work for justice in Kiev. He proposes, she accepts, and he promises to send for her. Tevye reluctantly approves.

Yente tells Tzeitel she’s seen Chava with Fyedka. News from Perchik’s letter spreads among the villagers as gossip.

Tevye brings Hodel to the railroad station. She is going to Siberia, where Perchik has been arrested.

Villagers gossip about Motel and Tzeitel’s new sewing machine. Chava promises Fyedka she’ll speak to Tevye about their love. Tevye refuses to listen and forbids her to speak of Fyedka again.

Golde tells Tevye that Chava and Fyedka are married. Tevye declares that Chava is dead to them. When she appears to ask his acceptance, he cannot answer.

Yente tries to arrange matches for Tevye’s remaining daughters. The Constable arrives and announces that everyone must leave Anatevka in three days. Heartbroken, the villagers sing fondly of their home.

The family prepares to leave. Tzeitel and Motel are going to Warsaw. Hodel and Perchik are still in Siberia. Chava and Fyedka are leaving for Krakow. Tevye refuses to acknowledge them, but when Tzeitel says goodbye, he prompts her to add, “God be with you!” The villagers share their final goodbyes. As they leave, Tevye beckons to The Fiddler to follow.

–Adapted with permission from Music Theatre International