Phillip Rolfe on 19 Years of Laughs as Fiddler on the Roof Star Danny Burstein's Friend and Dresser

Phillip Rolfe, who hails from Montana, trained as a classical pianist and dancer. He went to college at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where he was a dance major/music minor. Because of his sewing skills, he was always helping in costume shops and was a dresser on the long-running Las Vegas spectacular Jubilee. Rolfe found work as a singer/dancer on cruise ships where he stayed for 11 years before relocating to New York. He has been in the city for 14 years and has worked on numerous Broadway shows as well as with the New York City Opera, Metropolitan Opera, American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet. He has been Fiddler on the Roof star Danny Burstein’s friend and dresser for 19 years.

How long have you worked with Danny Burstein and what was your first impression of him?
I met Danny in San Diego in 1997. I was working as a singer/dancer on cruise ships but had some surgery so wasn’t able to go back for several months. I was brought in to be the Wardrobe Supervisor for the world premiere of Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman’s musical called Harmony. My first thoughts of Danny were that he was very nice and professional.

What do you wish people knew about dressers?
That we come from all walks of life and skills. Since I worked for years as an entertainer, I understand what happens backstage and what people need. Many of us have had other careers.

What’s your favorite part about dressing Danny?
Danny is always calm in his changes. That is such a huge help. He trusts me and lets me do my job. He is also very funny; we laugh all the time.


What makes the two of you laugh?
Everything! We tend to find humor in everything. It makes the job so much more fun.

What are some items you both like to have on hand backstage?
I always have on me a water bottle for Danny, hand towel and ChapStick. Other items that I keep in my apron are Ricola, mic tape and a Japanese fan. We get hot sometimes and it is nice to have that fan.

Which Fiddler on the Roof costume do you wish you had in your closet?
Well, Jessie Kovarsky, who plays the Fiddler, has a wonderful purple coat designed by Cathy Zuber that I think is pretty fantastic.

Any pre-show rituals?
Not really. Danny does his vocal warmups and some stretching. I am usually sitting on the couch in his dressing room checking Facebook or Pinterest.

What’s the best gift Danny has ever given you?
His trust and friendship.

What do you two bond over?
Sharing what is happening in our lives. Some nights we just like to sit after the show for a bit and share a laugh over a beer or glass of wine.

What’s something he says all the time?
He often finishes a sentence or discussion with “Well, what are you going to do?” It makes me laugh.

In what way is he most like Tevye and in what way is he the opposite of Tevye?
Tevye is such a likeable guy with his heart on his sleeve. Danny is very much like this: so gracious and kind to everyone. It doesn’t matter what you do on the show or in the theater, Danny always has a hello and kind word for everyone. As far as opposite of Tevye, Danny doesn’t have any daughters, but he has two amazing boys—I should say young men now.

What’s the one Fiddler song you can never get out of your head?
The opening number, “Tradition.” I am in the wings stage right watching as everyone comes out of the pit to join Danny on stage for the number. I think it is so powerful and moving.

Any fun anecdotes you want to share about your time working with Danny?
We had a night on the show where Danny removes his red coat in the opening number and realized that we had not put on his brown vest. All you saw was his Tallis. I was horrified and ran up to his dressing room to grab the vest. Danny takes a chair off stage with his coat and book on it and brings it to me. We quickly got him in that vest and then I had to live down the laughs from the cast.

What’s the best part about being part of Team Tevye?
I’m just grateful to be there with Danny and part of the team. He is always respectful and kind. I’m there for him and he is there for me. Mazel tov, Danny! I love you, my friend!