The Band's Visit

4 out of 5 stars

The trouble all started because Arabic has no "p" sound, and regularly replaces it with "b".  The Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra from Egypt is scheduled to perform at an Arab cultural center in Petah Tikva in Israel.  Alas, the aforementioned miscommunication lands the band in Beit Hatikva, a fictional town in the middle of the Israeli desert. This tiny town has no hotel and very few places to eat. But this town does have interesting characters who find this band’s predicament a welcome diversion to life in Beit Hatikva with a “B” . . . boring, beige and bland.  The fact that all these characters are Egyptian and Israeli brings instant color to the landscape.

This utterly charming musical (The Band's Visit - music & lyrics by Davie Yazbek, book by Itamar Moses and based on the screenplay by Eran Kolirin) is a microcosm of life from anywhere or anytime – love, lost love, family, hope, despair, joy, wisdom, foolishness, success and missed opportunity.   In this production, these stories are skillfully told through songs that delight as well as bring pause.  These songs are brought to life through the fine performances and musicianship of the actors.  

 Of special note is Katrina Lenk, as Dina, (she was memorable in Indecent), who invites these displaced visitors to stay with her and with other locals.  Ms. Lenk is a lithe and graceful presence and her singing is enchanting.  Tony Shalhoub, as Tewfig, the leader of the Police Orchestra, exudes dignity and kindness but with a detectable undercurrent of sadness.

 Music brings the characters together and we are transported through the story’s peaks and valleys with the weaving of song and dance.  The musicians ebb and flow on stage with their energetic or haunting melodies until a crescendo performance that unites all.

This sold-out production at the Atlantic Theatre Company has been extended but closes soon. I saw it with my daughter Jane and wish Joel could have seen it as well.  The brisk ticket sales suggest that this fine musical deserves a bigger audience and is likely to get one, so keep your eyes open.

My daughter, Jane, joined me for the musical.

 Why we went: hot tip from Hannah

MSG