The Band's Visit (Broadway)

See it if While I appreciate a differently toned musical, I found this boring, a struggle to endure and of little value. My wife disagrees entirely.

Don't see it if I cannot recommend this show, unless you can get free tickets. Even then...oi!

See it if If you like Middle Eastern plays. It was great at certain points and slow at others. 90 minutes, no intermission. Tony Shaloub was great.

Don't see it if if you do not a play about cultural differences the dealings with the middle east or anything of relevance to this kind of genre.Slow moving

See it if you'd like to see a simple, wistful, heartfelt musical that in the end upholds the simple virtues of reciprocal kindness & generosity.

Don't see it if you are looking to be shaken from your groundless belief in the basic goodness of humanity.

Also So much has been written about “The Band's Visit,” that I’ll be brief. This is a lovely, modest show. It is also a little thin, often falling back on sentiments that are hard to challenge. (“Be generous to your fellow human beings.”) In the big Broadway house the piece could also feel just a bit lost. The pace is deliberate, even slow, but that contributes to the prevailing calm. And the result is never less than pleasant, frequently touching, even wise. That should be enough.... Read more Read less

See it if It’s wondeful. Just see it.

Don't see it if You hate musicals. Although this is very unique. Not your usual musical. I’d say see it (if you can get a ticket!).

Also I had not thought I would like this (given what I’d heard about the topic of the show) but I was happily surprised. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Also, be sure to stay after the curtain call for the extra little concert after the show.... Read more Read less

See it if you like Middle Eastern music, more concert than theater. Well staged with turntables & rotating set pieces. Glimpses of small town life.

Don't see it if you expect a big Broadway musical, no dancing, no sequins, no bright colors.

See it if you enjoy a thinking-person's musical. Surprises include a breakout song of an unnamed character, emotions expressed and singing highlights.

Don't see it if you want a big, splashy musical with tv and movie stars and bright sets. This is a charming story with music that enhances the plot.

See it if People meeting and forming friendships base on the person. The music is excellent.

Don't see it if If you want a dancing, and shine stage.

See it if Reaching across the cultural/religious divide, an original musical adaptation of the film affects and haunts. A respite from headline noise.

Don't see it if Whatever your convictions of the topic, it might be best to absorb and to allow the humanity to unfold. Ethnic music on Broadway is a risk.

See it if You enjoy very unusual off-beat musicals. This one seems small in scope but refreshingly sweet.

Don't see it if You are looking for a big splashy loud over the top musical show. A fast moving plot is essential for your enjoyment.

See it if Egyptians go to Petah Tikva, Israeli City but arrive in kibbutz Bet Hatikva. Then: As-salāmu ʿalaykum (Arabic) aleikhem shalom (Hebrew)Peace

Don't see it if Short fora Broadway show.

See it if you like musicals that are subtle & nuanced. Katrina Lenk gives a great performance vocally and comedically. Rest of cast & band also good.

Don't see it if you're looking for a lot of action. Story is fairly uneventful & more slice of life showcasing humanity. It's a nice show, but over-hyped.

See it if You can enjoy an evening of loosely woven stories and great music without the need for PLOT PLOT PLOT. GREAT music, singing, and acting.

Don't see it if You don't like short shows (90min) that capture moments vs. a full stories with strong through lines.

See it if You want to see something a little different. The main people in the band are also in the play

Don't see it if You are expecting a big normal Broadway musical. While it is a musical it’s more of a play with music in it

Also I don’t know anything about musicals and haven’t seen many but I don’t understand why anyone would like this. It’s not funny, it’s not dramatic and you don’t really learn much. It’s about a group of Egyptian musicians who come to Israel to play a concert. They get lost. They meet some friendly people that maybe they’re not expecting to meet. And then they go home. Yes the music is different than a lot of other musicals but none of The music is catchy or interesting. After the curtain call the band played a three minute song and they were about as good as a band that plays on the street in New Orleans. Bands that play in the streets in New Orleans are very good but I don’t think they belong in a Broadway stage. And what’s with all the stupid standing ovations? Why does every Broadway show I go to get a standing ovation? I thank stupid tourists pay money to see Broadway shows and have already made their mind up there going to like it before it even starts... Read more Read less

See it if a multicultural incident that no one heard much about, exquisite presentation of human longing/loss love will make you happy in the theatre

Don't see it if care not about human longing, multicultural union, or delicate presentation of the human condition, would rather see high energy crassness

See it if you’re up for captivating Middle Eastern music; you don't expect TBV to be upbeat or to surpass all the other musicals playing

Don't see it if you’ll miss the emotional rollercoaster rides that are Broadway's specialty—TBV is consistently pleasing but emotionally temperate

Also The good: Great cast, and really great band. Wish this band was an actual touring band. Most of the music has a beautiful, yearning, and (dare I say) exotic sound. Great to be able to hear a new musical that doesn’t reference only American/British pop.

The possibly problematic: TBV isn’t following a lot of the “rules.” The individual songs are a pleasure but they didn’t seem to collectively work to shape my mood, build into a rousing 11 o’clock number, or propel the plot in a direction. There’s an inconclusiveness to every scene that I think is more accepted in plays but very unusual in musicals. It’s like the whole show is punctuated with ellipses and never an exclamation, which makes it feel mild overall.

I still enjoyed TBV and would recommend to anyone into shows that break form—but not to someone seeking a more typical, energetic musical theater experience. TBV's unlike anything on B'way, but that doesn't mean it's outdoing everything on B'way.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy a perfectly sweet take on a "true" story. Done expertly

Don't see it if multi ethnic, multi faith interaction is abhorrant to you

See it if you value heartfelt emotions, terrific cast, evocative music, and an interesting premise. Nothing quite like it currently on Broadway.

Don't see it if you are looking for razzle dazzle. The pace is leisurely, as befits the mood of the piece.

Also Not a lot happens, yet what does happen resonates beautifully.

See it if A beautifully constructed musical with an interesting storyline and memorable tunes. A must see!

Don't see it if Do not see if you do not like musicals about different cultures.

See it if you’d like to see a 2018 Tony nominee; this will be that.

Don't see it if you prefer a flashy musical. This isn’t that.

See it if Small, quiet story that weaves a mighty spell. Totally enchanting. Music is breathtaking, enhanced by actors playing their own instruments.

Don't see it if You want a big Broadway spectacle; this isn't that. It doesn't need bells & whistles - the magic is in the simple humanity & glorious music.

See it if you have great interest in Israel and klezmer-sounding music, and if you can take 90 minutes of a thin plot line.

Don't see it if you are expecting all one anticipates from a Broadway show. This is one that should have stayed off-Broadway.

Also I never cared about any of these characters. The accents were annoying to me, although the audience seemed to love it.... Read more Read less

See it if you want two cultures cladding together of unity and kindness in the world.

Don't see it if you want to see a play, but its like a play with few songs in it.

See it if You don’t mind plays with basically no plot or character evolution; you enjoy live performances by brilliant musicians and musical process

Don't see it if This is a slice of life where no one grows and nothing changes. You don’t know what the point of the play is, other than the fab musicians

See it if you want to have a wonderful experience attending a musical story about people on the other side of the other side of the world.

Don't see it if a quirky funny heart-warming musical about two different groups of people finding out how more alike than different they are bores you.

Also In quoting the lyrics of one of the songs, my evening in the theater experiencing The Band’s Visit was like “honey in my ear and spice in my mouth”. CONFESSION: I have been avoiding this project since December of 2016 and my only reason why was because I didn’t think the show would be interesting. Oh how WRONG I have been for the last 16 months!!! From the moment the overture began, I welcomed the theatrical experience with open arms. Composer David Yazbek has written some of the more emotionally stirring music and lyrics that I have ever experienced sitting inside a theater. To my surprise, his music and lyrics filled my heart in a way I didn’t know it had been empty. The TALENTED cast of actors inhabiting this musical are lead by the sensual Katrina Lenk and steadfast Dariush Kashani. The perfect cast for the most perfect telling of this unusual story. DO NOT MISS SEEING THIS SHOW.... Read more Read less

See it if you can appreciate a beautiful, simple story of people from different worlds forming a connection. The music is lush and gorgeous.

Don't see it if you prefer musicals to be big and flashy or simply want to sit back and be entertained without having to invest in characters.

Also I went into this show kind of knowing what to expect, but not really. I had read reviews that it was slow, simple, lacking in glitz and glam, and many had said they didn't care for it or expected more. Because my expectations were managed, I appreciated it even more. This is not a big, bold, brassy Broadway show. I didn't leave singing any of the songs, but I did leave knowing I want to hear them again and appreciate them on a deeper level. Katrina Lenk is a revelation. She shines in this show as much as she did earlier this year in Indecent, and that is bright. The story is very simple, but beautiful. Breakout performances by Ari'el Stachel (what a voice) and Etai Benson. I loved the way these characters from different worlds were able to connect with each other. Reminded me of Come From Away, but on a much smaller scale and much more subtle. Even though the action takes place only over the course of one night, you know that these chance encounters changed their lives forever.... Read more Read less