I love that this gorgeous show has gotten such a great critical reception. I expected it to slip through the cracks during an unusually strong fall theater season of musicals. I look forward to a return visit. The original cast recording I'd most look forward to buying this year would be of The Band's Visit. Hoping it happens soon!
I have to say that I am a little surprised by these reviews...I mean I saw the second preview and Cromer made an announcement at the beginning basically apologizing and telling us to come back again after it opened.
These reviews seem to be of a completely different show than the one I saw which was excruciatingly slow and misguided. I really thought it was a bit of a flop... I have to say that I'm almost curious to see it again after almost universal raves.
I've heard lots was changed in previews. I saw it a couple weeks ago and loved it. I believe the cast was finally settling into the bulk of changes by that point.
Thrilled about these reviews, especially for Katrina Lenk, whom I thought was sensational.
So happy this beautiful show is getting a warm reception by critics. I saw it in previews and absolutely loved it. Certainly not a show I'd recommend to a tourist looking for a big, splashy musical for the family. But for a regular theater-goer - it really is a can't miss show with a lovely score and some of the best performances I've seen in musical theater.
In many ways, it is the anti-Dear Evan Hansen. The Band's visit is simple, quiet, and truthful. i have to admit, I wasn't a fan of Dear Evan Hansen. While I liked the score and thought Ben Platf was wonderful. I found the plot absolutely absurd. How can a protagonist with such anxiety disorder he can't even interact with a delivery man live the biggest lie in musical theater since Harold Hill rolled in to River City. I'm can appreciate musical comedies that embrace fantasy or farce, but a musical drama like Dear Evan Hansen that expects tears to be flowing by end of the show really should be grounded in some reality. In order to get through the night, I had to watch each number as if it was a one-act play separate from its far-fetched situational plot.
Bought a $25 ticket for this and so happy to see it's getting great reviews. Such a beautiful, fun score. And such a well directed musical.
I was getting a drink and in front of me was David Cromer. He asked for a Bud LIte, and the lady told him the price. And he was like "Uh....I'm the director...I've got a notepad...I look frayed..." and we all laughed. Happy for his success!