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 |  | | | Joseph Stein | | | | | Growing up in the Bronx, Joseph Stein’s father read him the stories of Sholom Aleichem, a noted author of Jewish folk tales. Stein would remember these stories when he was called upon to develop the musical that became Fiddler on the Roof. Stein did not immediately turn to the theater, though. He attended City College, earning his B.S.S. in 1935, then his Master of Social Work from Columbia in 1937. Stein then spent six years employed as a psychiatric social worker, from 1939 until 1945.
In 1946, Stein began writing for radio. He wrote for such shows as the Henry Morgan Show and Kraft Music Hall. In 1948, he and writing partner Will Glickman began writing for the stage, contributing sketches to Broadway revues as well as whole plays and the books for musicals. Through 1958, every theatrical production Stein wrote was a collaboration with Glickman. In 1955, the duo had their biggest success with their first musical play, Plain and Fancy. Stein also wrote for television from 1950-62, primarily for variety shows such as Your Show of Shows and The Sid Caesar Show and specials for stars like Phil Silvers and Debbie Reynolds.
Adaptations of other people’s material proved to be the highpoint of Stein’s career. In 1959, he had his first solo success with an adaptation of Sean O’Casey’s, Juno. An even bigger hit was Stein’s adaptation of Carl Reiner’s autobiography, Enter Laughing in 1963. The apex of Stein’s stage career, however, was writing the book for the musical Fiddler on the Roof. Though backers were originally reluctant to produce the musical fearing it might have limited appeal, Fiddler went on to become a smash hit. Stein won three major awards for his effort, including the Antionette ‘‘Tony’’ Perry Award for best musical. |
| | Works by Joseph Stein on dominionpub.com: |
| | | | |  | | | FIDDLER ON THE ROOF | | Based on Sholom Aleichem's Stories
The full text and complete lyrics, as well as photographs from the original production.
“One of the great works of the American musical theatre. It is darling, touching, beautiful, warm, funny and inspiring. It is a work of art.” –John Chapman, Daily News |
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