The Band’s Visit Closed 1 Year Ago Today

[rpvee]

Posted: 4/7/20 at 5:39pm

It’s officially been one year since one of the most unique (and one of the most award winning) shows in Broadway and theatre history closed.

While some thought it was slow and plotless, most saw its subtle, quiet beauty, and how it was more like a play with music, as it was often described. That’s not to mention how the musical brought a new level of representation to the Broadway stage, from the multiple Israeli and Arab actors, to the authentic Middle Eastern music live on stage.

Personally, although I always appreciated Broadway as a creative person myself, I never actively sought it out until this show came along, being a passionate fan of Middle Eastern music. I went at first to hear those beautiful instruments live - rare even in a city as multicultural as NYC - but ended up being equally entranced by the story, atmosphere, performances, and more, resulting in the final performance being my 50th time seeing the show (with several more visits so far via the tour!).

So, in our quarantine solitudes, I thought it might be nice to reflect on this truly unique piece of art on the first anniversary of its closing!

Updated On: 4/7/20 at 05:39 PM

[fosterfan2]

Posted: 4/7/20 at 5:57pm

I love this show,and I love playing the cast album. I'm part Middle-Eastern,as my grandfather was born in Jerusalem and his mother was born in Iran. I wish he had lived long enough to see and hear The Band's Visit,but he lived to be 99,so I'm not complaining. He introduced me to Middle Eastern music when I was a kid,so the album brings back special memories.

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 4/7/20 at 6:54pm

They closed the tour two days before I was to see it in Pittsburgh. I had psyched myself up by listening to the OBCR over and over again. The show actually started on a Tuesday and was supposed to run through Sunday, but I got the email on that Friday saying it was going to be cancelled.

I’m glad I got to see it in NYC as my first ever Broadway show. It’ll always hold a special place in my heart.