From Jerusalem to Broadway
Conejo Valley Gears up for a Musical
Tour De Force
“When choosing a collection of songs out of many hundreds, I look for those that will touch the deepest chords – not only within the audience, but within my own soul. If I try a song and it doesn’t totally move me that way, I won’t do it,” says Dudu Fisher about his playlist selection process – a process that is expected to be even more meticulous and particularistic in advance of his June 10th concert for Chabad of the Conejo at the Thousand Oaks Civic Auditorium.
With the theme of the “Evening of Song and Solidarity” being “Chazak: Stand Strong; Stand Proud!”the goal of Dudu’s performance will be to capture, through music, the sentiments that are now foremost on the hearts and minds of the Jewish community in the wake of recent world events, especially in Europe and throughout the Middle East. If there’s anyone who understands the unique power music has to reinforce a sense of Jewish pride and solidarity, it’s Dudu Fisher.
Born in Petach Tikva, Israel, in 1951, Dudu served in the Israeli armed forces for three years before enrolling in the Tel Aviv Academy of Music. By age 22, he was already serving as the cantor of the Great Synagogue of Tel Aviv and gaining a reputation as one of the world’s leading cantors.
During a trip to London in 1986, Fisher attended a performance of the musical “Les Miserables” which left him so mesmerized that when he heard that efforts were underway to stage a version of the show in Hebrew, he auditioned for a part – any part. Despite having no prior acting experience, Fisher landed the lead role of Jean Valjean in what went on to become the longest running show in Israel. It made Dudu Fisher a superstar, leading to his being invited to London to participate in a royal command performance hosted by the Queen of England, featuring artists from the best “Les Miz” productions around the world.
When his powerful and soaring voice and impressive acting abilities caught the attention of world-famous producer, Carmen Macintosh, Dudu was offered to play Jean Valjean on Broadway and subsequently in London’s West End.
In a move previously unheard of – and not heard of since – by any lead performer on Broadway (let alone one looking to make his debut on the scene), Dudu Fisher stipulated that, as a Sabbath-observing Jew, he would not take to the stage for performances held on Friday nights, Saturday afternoons and Jewish holidays.
“My first big Broadway act was my refusal to work on Shabbat,” says Dudu. Expecting his non-negotiable stance to bring his Broadway career to an end before it even began, Dudu was about to walk away from his dream until some friends suggested that he consult with the Lubavitcher Rebbe. At first, he was reluctant. “How do you approach the Rebbe regarding a Broadway show? It didn’t seem right,” Dudu remembers thinking. “In the end I did bring the matter to the Rebbe and received his blessing…
“Nobody was more surprised than I when the producers ultimately decided to give me the role and work around my religious requirements. I never did perform on Shabbat, the show had a great run with our cast, and everyone was happy. It was one of those incredible stories of Jewish pride, faith and conviction; a learning experience on so many levels for so many people.”
That story would later provide the basis for Fisher’s first one-man off-Broadway show, “Never on Friday,” which opened to rave reviews – with the New York Times calling it: “A display of a vocal talent that resists confinement and is an explosion of religious faith.”
“Never on Friday” would be one of a long list of musical and dramatic achievements that would earn Dudu Fisher high praise from global audiences and critics alike. These would include performances at some of the world’s greatest venues, including the Sydney Opera House, Budapest Opera House, Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall and the Bolshoi Theater among others; as well as performances with some of the world’s greatest symphonies, including the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Zubin Mehta. It would include leading roles in productions of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”, “Over the Rainbow,” and “Stairways to Heaven,” as well as Israeli stage productions of “The Rothschilds” and Stephen Spielberg’s “The Prince of Egypt.”
Over the years, Dudu has recorded more than twenty albums, including one of show tunes with the London Symphony Orchestra. He had a starring role in the film “The Road to Glory”, served as the host of an Israeli television series, and has appeared on numerous radio and television programs throughout the world.
Of all of Dudu Fisher’s entertainment platforms, however, none give him a greater sense of satisfaction and gratification than singing and story-telling live before an eclectic Jewish audience with diverse musical interests and tastes – such as the one expected to show up on June 10th at the Thousand Civic Arts Plaza.
In the words of Tomer Addadi, Fisher’s accompanist: “Dudu can take numbers from ‘Fiddler’, ‘The Jazz Singer’, ‘Yentl’, “Les Miz” and “Cats” and weave them seamlessly into a collection of Hebrew and Yiddish, Greek and Spanish, Ashkenazic and Sephardic, Chassidic and liturgical, classical and popular, songs and styles in a way that exhilarates and inspires as much as it amazes and entertains… An evening with Dudu is more than just a show; it’s a powerful musical journey through our history and culture infused with a passionate love for Israel and generous doses of Jewish pride and nostalgia.”
While Conejo audiences are familiar with Dudu Fisher’s talents from his three previous headlining performances for Chabad in the early 2000s – each bringing the audience to its feet for repeated standing ovations and encore requests – the upcoming performance will be devoted to the evening’s theme of “Chazak!” and will include breathtaking background video footage of Israel. The concert will feature Dudu in duet with one of America’s long-time favorite singers and entertainers, Tony Orlando.
If ever there was a time for the Jewish community to express its pride and solidarity with Israel – this is such a time! If ever there was an artist who can evoke and inspire such deeply-rooted feelings – Dudu Fisher is such a performer!
For tickets and information for the Evening of Jewish Song and Solidarity, visit dudu2015.com; for reservations to the pre-concert Patron’s Cocktail Reception click here, Or call (818) 991-0991.