‘Fiddler on the Roof’ Opens at Benedum; Shadyside’s Soba Restaurant Features Pan Asian Fare (Tues., 11/20/18)

The boys of Anatevka are bringing some new moves to Pittsburgh. That’s because the touring production of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ has choreography by modern Israeli dance artist Hofesh Shechter. (photo: Joan Marcus)

1) Regardless of what you think you might like, you can’t go wrong with Fiddler on the Roof. The winner of the 1965 Tony Award for Best Musical will make you laugh AND cry, and the songs and dances are tremendous. The opening number “Tradition” rocks the house before you’ve settled into it. “If I Were a Rich Man” is playfully sublime; “Tevye’s Dream” is a hoot; “Sunrise, Sunset” is beautiful—and that’s just a sampling of numbers in Act I, omitting gems like the amazing “Bottle Dance.” Fiddler’s story, adapted from fiction by Yiddish author Sholem Aleichem, is a moving one. Set in a Russian Jewish village around 1900, it traces the adventures and misadventures of one family against the backdrop of the rampant anti-Semitism surrounding them. Some investors shied away from the original production of Fiddler, worrying it was “too Jewish.” Others since then have faulted it for being too schmaltzy, or not as authentically Jewish as Aleichem’s stories. Picky, picky. It’s a great musical. A new North American touring company brings Fiddler on the Roof to Pittsburgh. 7:30 p.m. Continues through November 25. Benedum Center, 237 7th St., Cultural District. (MV)

2) Soba Restaurant—located along Shadyside’s Ellsworth Avenue—specializes in traditional and contemporary Asian dishes. With many small plate offerings Soba is perfect for sharing food with friends and family and making new culinary discoveries. Most of the inspiration for the menu comes from the cuisines of China, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand.  An especially tasty small plate item is the char siu ribs: pork ribs, five spice barbecue, scallions . The menu is categorized by sections: small plates, dim sum, sides, maki & sashimi, soups and salads, large plates, and noodles. Highlights include: Korean-style miso black cod, filet dolsot bi bim bap, wild mushroom pad Thai, and chirashi bowl. The culinary team is led by the restaurant’s executive chef, Lily Tran, and Big Burrito Group’s Executive Chef Bill Fuller. Soba sports a modern, yet comfortable interior. There is a happening lounge there as well featuring a fun selection of cocktails, wine, sake, and beer offerings. Open for dinner 7 days a week and the bar is open late. 5847 Ellsworth Ave.

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