The Band’s Visit by David Yazbek

Review by: Matthew Torbett

The short
Two vibrant cultures clash amidst an arid landscape and discover connections deeper than their prejudices.

The long
A small Egyptian band set to play a concert at the Arab Cultural Center in the city of Petah Tikvah, Israel inadvertently travels instead to the small desert town “Bet Hatikvah.” The residents of the town take in the band for the night, making intimate connections over shared experiences. The story is a brilliant illustration of two cultures learning about and empathizing with one another, supported by a brilliant musical score inspired by Arab and Israeli folk music.

To watch or not to watch?
Being the winner of the 2018 Tony Award for Best Musical, The Band’s Visit is critically acclaimed. If you enjoy musical theatre and stories about human connection and empathy, you should watch.