Show History

History

Inspiration

The Rothschilds has a book by Sherman Yellen (Oh! Calcutta!) and music and lyrics from the dynamite team of Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick ( Fiddler on the Roof, Fiorello!, She Loves Me).  It is based on the novel of the same name by Frederic Morton.  The story is a dramatized depiction of the life story of the Rothschilds family, from patriarch Mayer's humble beginnings in Germany to the family fortune eventually amassed, due to Mayer's sons' successful efforts in securing a declaration of rights for European Jews.

Productions

On October 19, 1970, The Rothschilds opened on Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, directed and choreographed by Michael Kidd (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers).  After closing, the musical enjoyed a second run in San Francisco.  On February 10, 1990, an Off-Broadway revival, directed by Lonny Price, opened at the American Jewish Theatre.  It ran for 435 performances.

Cultural Influence

  • The Rothschilds is the final musical collaboration between composer Jerry Bock and composer Sheldon Harnick.

Trivia

  • The Broadway production of The Rothschilds was nominated for nine Tony Awards in 1971, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score, Best Direction of a Musical, Best Choreography and Best Lyrics.
  • Celebrities that have starred in The Rothschilds include: Hal Linden (Mayer), Jill Clayburgh (Hannah), Chris Sarandon (Jacob), Keene Curtis (Prince Metternich, et. al.), Robby Benson (Solomon), Robert Cuccioli (Nathan), Paul Hecht (Nathan), Reid Shelton (Prince Metternich, et. al.), Mike Burstyn (Mayer) and David Cantor (Amshel).