The Band's Visit tour cast- Page 4

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 12/8/19 at 6:43pm

It would be nice if smaller theatres were an option for some shows. I know in Charlotte, NC they have several theatres to choose from and actually put Next To Normal in one of their smaller theatres to increase audience connection. Both Charlotte and Cleveland have theatre complexes with several theatres to choose from. Most tour stops do not. 

The Band's Visit is better enjoyed from a closer perspective. That's my opinion. Many people I know who didn't like it were in the rafters. 

As someone else noted, there will never be a replication for what Lenk brought to the role. She seamlessly blended intense eroticism, mystery, deadpan humor and heartbreak. It's why she was given the Tony. She was haunting. Kennedy was marvelous in a very different way and I am glad I saw both. I look forward to seeing Janet. 

[theblackumbrella]

Posted: 12/8/19 at 10:51pm

I was in the balcony. I do think I would’ve enjoyed it better from a closer view, but still loved it from the bird’s eye. I thought the “Answer Me” staging was sublime (his voice kind of went out on the last note, unfortunately). I thought the score worked better in context. I’d tried listening to the cast recording, but hadn’t been able to really get engrossed beyond “Omar Sharif”, “Answer Me”, “Welcome to Nowhere” and “Something Different” - however seeing the songs in the show made me appreciate them. I’m also glad to understand why “fishing” is said multiple times in “Something Different”.

[gleek4114]

Posted: 12/9/19 at 12:30am

I caught the show twice this week in Louisville after interviewing Chilina last week. Wednesday I was mid orchestra and really enjoyed it. That night Jenn Colella was there too so I got to meet her as well as Chilina in person after talking on the phone the week prior. After that performance I settled on okay. As fate would have it I won the lotto for Friday night and decided to go again because my friend really wanted to, and it was only $25. We were second row dead center and it made all the difference in the world. I was enthralled and entranced. It also happened to be Chilina and Sasson’s final performance together, so it was very special and poignant. After the show I stopped by to say hello to Chilina again and she kindly introduced me to Sasson and some of her other cast mates. I ran into Janet Decal as she was leaving and told her what a big fan I was and that I can’t wait to see what she does with Dina, she seemed very excited to get started on it.

On a separate note, it sadly isn’t selling well. As shallow as it sounds this show deserves better than most touring audiences (this coming from a Louisville native). Both times I saw it there were countless phones that rang, ice shaking, cup dropping, phones dropping, playbill shuffling, and whispering. The attention span for a quiet and intimate show just wasn’t there and it broke my heart. A friend of mine who works at the theatre said on Friday night there were 75 walkouts, and that it was only sold 1300/2200 seats (not too bad when comparing to a broadway house, but the theatre can’t help but feel and look hallow and empty). I want to go to St. Louis to see Janet as Dina but I’m afraid of what the Fabulous Fox will do to this gem of a piece.

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 1/30/20 at 9:00pm

Checking to see if there are any updates from those who may have seen the tour recently. A couple of weeks ago I grabbed a closer seat and upgraded my season ticket to a front row orchestra, so I’m very excited to revisit Bet Hatikva - 45 days and counting!!!

Updated On: 1/31/20 at 09:00 PM

[Mike Barrett]

Posted: 1/31/20 at 8:55am

Yes, very excited to hear about some of the changes. Never got the chance to catch in on Broadway, so this is sure to be a treat! I need a good musical soon badly as well. 

[Um Kulthum]

Posted: 1/31/20 at 9:12am

dmwnc1959 said: "Checking to see if there are any updates from those who may have seen the tour recently. A couple of weeks ago I grabbed a closer seat and upgraded my season ticket to a front row orchestra, so I’m very excited to revisit Bet Hatikva - 45 daysand counting!!!"

The OBC was truly magical, but I like the tour cast too. I saw it in DC last summer, then in Philly two weeks ago (which was my 10th time including Broadway, haha).

Janet Dacal has a beautiful voice, but she looks very young beside Sasson Gabay. I mean all the leading ladies have been much younger than him, including Ronit Elkabetz in the movie, but I particularly noticed it this time as the couple in the row ahead of me were whisper-complaining about it throughout, that it's not believable her Dina would be interested in his Tewfiq. Those people ended up vocally not liking anything about it, but I do agree with them on that point. I think Dina should be cast older.

The theatre in Philly was pretty full as far as I could tell– Saturday evening show. And overall the audience seemed to like it, laughing in the right places etc.
 

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 3/5/20 at 6:32pm

Seeing this next weekend!!! So excited! For those who have attended the tour, do they have the inner and outer turntable stage? I remember it used at the beginning in the song Waiting and at the end with Answer Me. I sat front row at the Barrymore and can still visualize that couch sailing past me with John Cariani all laid back, and as the cast all came out singing that gorgeous ending. 

[starcatchers]

Posted: 3/5/20 at 6:51pm

dmwnc1959 said: "Seeing this next weekend!!! So excited! For those who have attended the tour, do they have the inner and outer turntable stage? I remember it used at the beginning in the songWaiting and at the end with Answer Me. Isatfront row at the Barrymore and can still visualize that couch sailing past me with John Cariani all laid back, and as thecast all came out singing that gorgeous ending."

The turntable is alive and well! 

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 3/5/20 at 7:50pm

starcatchers said: "The turntable is alive and well!"

 

YAY! So excited. :) Love that I’ll be front row again, this time at the Benedum Center. And I already have a lot of souvenirs from the show in NYC so I may not buy anything this time around unless there’s some special tour versions. 

 

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 3/8/20 at 2:06pm

Recent article, show starts Tuesday in Pittsburgh:

https://triblive.com/aande/theater-arts/the-bands-visit-delivers-quiet-powerful-message-on-benedum-center-stage/

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 3/10/20 at 8:20pm

This link of a BwayAmerica video popped up in an article advertising the tour which begins its Pittsburgh run tonight and lasts through Sunday...

Welcome to Nowhere

https://youtu.be/7s566L4awwk

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 10/10/21 at 1:49pm

I caught this in Durham yesterday, and enjoyed it immensely. I had previously seen the show twice on Broadway. While The Band's Visit never has been (and never will be) one of my favorite shows, I will admit that I have enjoyed it more and more with each viewing.

The touring production is in tip top shape from the cast to the impeccable sound. The set design has been altered/simplified from the Broadway run and even from the tour pre-pandemic. The solid walls/buildings that used to frame the stage have been replaced by standard fabric legs that are a little wrinkled looking. The lighting design is gorgeous.

I was initially worried about how this would play in large touring venues since it is a small and quiet show, but the show still plays and reads very well on the road. The theatre was maybe a little less than 2/3 full. If this is coming to a city near you, I would definitely recommend it.

[bwaylady3]

Posted: 10/10/21 at 5:02pm

It saw it at DPAC as well and I thoroughly enjoyed it! While the dialogue dragged at times, the music / vocals were absolutely beautiful. The talent on this tour is worth checking out for sure!