The Band’s Visit

The Band’s Visit

Ethel Barrymore Theatre

February 4, 2018

Photo courtesy of The Band's Visit

I’ve heard over and over that The Band’s Visit is not a conventional musical.  Now that I’ve seen it, I understand the meaning of that statement.  This show is in a league of its own and is not to be compared to other musicals.  The score, by David Yazbek, takes you deeper into the heart and mind of each character.  The book, by Itamar Moses, captures the rhythm of the Israeli and Egyptian cultures depicted in the story.  David Cromer’s direction lures you into the deep longing and desire of the characters through careful timing, aching looks, and cautious physicalization.  Through fluid movement and gesture, Patrick McCollum’s choreography creates an emotional pulse that causes connection and delicately moves the action forward.

Photo courtesy of The Band's Visit

When eight Egyptian members of the Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra are scheduled to perform in Israel, they accidentally find themselves in the wrong town.  Dina (played by Katrina Lenk) offers to put the musicians and their leader, Tewfiq (played by Tony Shalhoub), up for the night.  The connections made in this one short evening change the outlook of all involved.  To paraphrase Dina, “the most beautiful moments in life are those that are unexpected.” 

Photo courtesy of The Band's Visit

Katrina Lenk and Tony Shalhoub are mystical.  Their intimacy reaches all the way to the mezzanine.  The entire cast works brilliantly as an ensemble, drawing the audience in for their individual, honest, and emotional stories.  Stellar performances are delivered by John Cariani (as Itzik), Ari’el Stachel (as Haled), Adam Kantor (as Telephone Guy), and Daniel David Stewart (as Papi).

The Band’s Visit is a must see!  It is personal, intimate, and poetic.  It will hopefully be at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre for a long time running.

Domenick Danza