The Band’s Visit National Tour 2021-22

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 10/26/21 at 8:05pm

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.php?thread=1115247&page=4

Flash forward one year and seven months, and here I am again just days away from possibly seeing TBV on tour. Wondering if anyone out there has seen the tour since the re-start of its live performances? I saw the show on Broadway in June 2018 and it was truly magical from my front row orchestra seat, and wondering if it’ll hold up from fifth row balcony? The show appears to be well sold this weekend at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh. Am very anxious and nervous about returning in-person to a mass audience event, especially indoors.

EDIT to add that I did see the two newer 2021 responses at the end of the “old” thread but thought maybe we could use a newer one as well. 😉


On 10/10/2021 bwayphreak234 said: "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/simplifiedfrom the Broadway run and even from the tour pre-pandemic. The solid walls/buildingsthat used to frame the stage have been replaced by standard fabric legs that are a little wrinkled looking.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."


On 10/10 bwaylady3 said: "It saw it at DPAC as well andI thoroughly enjoyed it! While the dialogue dragged at times,the music / vocals wereabsolutely beautiful. The talent on this tour is worth checking out for sure!"

Updated On: 10/26/21 at 08:05 PM

[starcatchers]

Posted: 10/26/21 at 10:53pm

Seeing it in Hartford in a couple weeks!

[Zion24]

Posted: 10/26/21 at 11:57pm

fwiw, I saw the Bands Visit from the front row at the Atlantic, loved it, and then saw it again from the mezz on Broadway and loved it again. Sure you lose intimacy but if you know the story, it doesnt really ruin the experience.

And as an aside, I've seen Janet Dacal in a few things and think shes absolutely perfect for this role-- she actually has a charm/warmth that is reminiscent of Ronit Elkabetz who originated the role in the film. I'd jump at the chance to see her. 

[starcatchers]

Posted: 10/27/21 at 12:01am

JDonaghy4 said: "fwiw, I saw the Bands Visit from the front row at the Atlantic, loved it, and then saw it again from the mezz on Broadway and loved it again. Sure you lose intimacy but if you know the story, it doesnt really ruin the experience.

And as an aside, I've seen Janet Dacal in a few things and think shes absolutely perfect for this role-- she actually has a charm/warmth that is reminiscent of Ronit Elkabetz who originated the role in the film. I'd jump at the chance to see her."

I saw her pre-pandemic, she's absolutely my favorite I've seen do the role.

[rpvee2]

Posted: 10/27/21 at 8:41am

JDonaghy4 said: "And as an aside, I've seen Janet Dacal in a few things and think shes absolutely perfect for this role-- she actually has a charm/warmth that is reminiscent of Ronit Elkabetz who originated the role in the film. I'd jump at the chance to see her."

The next time I see the show will be my 60th and I agree, Janet’s take on Dina is very similar to Ronit’s original - a bit more sassy than sarcastic. Excited to see her again!

[Erik S Lillie]

Posted: 10/27/21 at 8:57am

I saw this in Nashville last week after having seen it on Broadway. Like others, I was worried how it would translate to a cavernous theater like TPAC. Overall it still works really well.  Janet and Sasson were every bit as enjoyable at Katrina and Tony. I agree with the attached review of the Nashville performance that Clay Singer's Itzik was particularly good. If you loved it the first time, see it again. 

https://www.nashvillescene.com/arts_culture/theater/i-the-band-s-visit-i-delivers-a-heartfelt-message-and-beautiful-return-to-theater/article_0a6d9eaa-3297-11ec-bc3b-734b01464820.html

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 10/27/21 at 5:28pm

I’m curious to know if they are using standbys yet? I know the tour just started earlier this month. I’m seeing the matinee Sunday and hope to see all the leads. Also got my COVID booster shot today, so I feel a lot more comfortable about attending.

[ElphabaGoodman]

Posted: 10/27/21 at 11:16pm

I was a huge fan of this show during its Broadway run and saw the tour many times as well, before the pandemic - traveled down to Durham for the reopening of the tour a few weeks ago and the show is still as wonderful as ever. I will only sit within the first few rows of the orchestra though, as they are playing some massive venues on tour

[Zion24]

Posted: 10/28/21 at 2:10am

rpvee2 said: "JDonaghy4 said: "And as an aside, I've seen Janet Dacal in a few things and think shes absolutely perfect for this role-- she actually has a charm/warmth that is reminiscent of Ronit Elkabetz who originated the role in the film. I'd jump at the chance to see her."

The next time I see the show will be my 60th and I agree, Janet’s take on Dina is very similar to Ronit’s original - a bit more sassy than sarcastic. Excited to see her again!"

I thought Lenk did a great job with Dina, dont get me wrong, but she took the character in a much tougher, almost stereotypically Israeli direction, which makes sense, but from the very first sequence I thought "Oh, man, this Dina isn't Ronit's."  I havent seen Dacal, but there is something about her that just connects to Elkabetz in my mind. Goes without saying that Elkabetz was a phenomenal actress-- for those who liked her in Bands Visit, and enjoy foreign subtitled film, watch her Vivanne Amsellem trilogy. A master class.

[A Director]

Posted: 10/28/21 at 4:00am

Zion24 said,

I thought Lenk did a great job with Dina, dont get me wrong, but she took the character in a much tougher, almost stereotypicallyIsraelidirection, which makes sense, but from the very first sequence I thought "Oh, man, this Dina isn't Ronit's." I havent seen Dacal, but there is something about her that just connects to Elkabetz in my mind. Goes without saying that Elkabetz was a phenomenal actress-- for those who liked her in Bands Visit, and enjoy foreign subtitled film, watch her Vivanne Amsellem trilogy. A master class."

Do you have a problem with Ms Lenk, Ms Dacal, or other actors wanting to make the role their own?

 

[Zion24]

Posted: 10/28/21 at 12:54pm

Not at all, as I explicitly said.

Updated On: 10/28/21 at 12:54 PM

[SouthernCakes]

Posted: 10/28/21 at 2:12pm

Hoping to see this in LA at the Dolby. Hope I can get a closer seat as I feel like this will be swallowed up!

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 10/31/21 at 5:39pm

I attended the 1pm matinee show today at the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts in Pittsburgh, and on the 1hr45m drive northbound purposefully did not listen to the OBCR so that I wouldn’t be comparing one to the other for the entire show.

After being seated (5th row balcony center) I glanced across the balcony and behind me at the upper sections, it appeared to be quite well attended, and the masking mandate looked to be observed by everyone. This was the first show of our 2021-2022 Broadway in Pittsburgh season.

When the house lights dropped, and the music started, I honestly got quite choked up and my eyes watered, me smiling ear to ear (under my mask).

I’ll 100% agree with and will reiterate this quote by bwayphreak234 from Oct 10th:

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

The entire show from start to finish was absolutely lovely. I can’t even count the number of times I had chills run all through me, simply because I knew what was coming next or was touched by being in the moment. There were numerous moments where I found myself holding my breath for the next phrase or interaction to happen, the tension and anxiety almost palpable from the characters on stage.

As for the vocals, all were simply splendid and some even ravishingly beautiful. Several of my favorites: “Haled’s Song About Love” (sung brilliantly by Joe Joseph); “Papi Hears the Ocean” (sung by the cute and shy Coby Getzug); and “Answer Me” (sung by Joshua Gross as the persistent Telephone Guy and the cast) were a true delight, the latter was again *incredibly moving* as their vocals soared to the rooftops. And of course “Welcome to Nowhere” (funny) and “Omar Sharif” (glorious) were well received by the audience.

And yes, the turn table is definitely alive and well for the touring production.

Overall this is a simply breathtaking show and was it brilliantly performed. So very glad I got to see it again. Don’t miss this when it comes to your town!

Updated On: 10/31/21 at 05:39 PM

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 10/31/21 at 5:48pm

A few pictures from today…hope you can see them. 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/57377062@N04/albums/72157720079019039

Updated On: 10/31/21 at 05:48 PM

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 10/31/21 at 6:07pm

So glad you enjoyed the show! And thank you for the photos - I always love seeing them!

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 10/31/21 at 6:10pm

bwayphreak234 said: "So glad you enjoyed the show! And thank you for the photos - I always love seeing them!"

You’re welcome! Always a pleasure. :)

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 10/31/21 at 7:29pm

I added a final three pictures to the album linked above showing the cast/characters and musical numbers.

A final note: a friend asked me what surprised me the most about the show. My answer - “That although the cast did their “own interpretation”, it was true to the Broadway version. The music especially was gorgeous. The characters were enjoyable, and there were plenty of laughs among the more serious moments.”

[Zion24]

Posted: 10/31/21 at 9:43pm

Not sure I knew that Coby Getzug was in this! I saw him as Elder Cunningham on Broadway and he was PHENOMENAL in the role. What a voice and what comic timing. 

[jakethesnake]

Posted: 10/31/21 at 9:56pm

I have not seen her in the role, so this is not a comment on her performance. But I’m curious if there has been any discussion about the fact that a show clearly set in Israel and the Middle East has a Latinx actress playing the lead role. After all of the discussion in the last year about authentic casting, why is this situation any different?

[Zion24]

Posted: 10/31/21 at 10:09pm

There's no rational justification for it except that there are (maybe justifiably) different rules for different minorities/groups etc. As far as I can tell, Dina has been played exclusively by White or Latina actresses; meanwhile, Sasson Gabay is a Jewish Israeli playing an Egyptian Muslim... my view is, it works! Its acting. Its beautiful to see Lenk or Dacal step into a Jewish Israeli's skin so authentically. But why that doesn't offend the Woke Police? Unclear. 

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 10/31/21 at 10:31pm

jakethesnake said: "I have not seen her in the role, so this is not a comment on her performance. But I’m curious if there has been any discussion about the fact that a show clearly set in Israel and the Middle East has a Latinx actress playing the lead role. After all of the discussion in the last year about authentic casting, why is this situation any different?"

I was surprised no one brought up Joshua Grosso for similar reasons (though I love him)

[RippedMan]

Posted: 11/1/21 at 12:29am

I find this interesting too, same with Aladdin. Is it just POC representing other POC is okay? I don't care either way. I'm of the camp that actors should act, but I do find it interesting what's okay and what's not okay. 

[Zion24]

Posted: 11/1/21 at 12:39am

its funny, i had the same reaction today at the Visitor: Alysha Deslorieux is an African American woman playing a Senegalese Muslim (and quite well!), donning dreadlocks to do so, and I thought "is that OK?" and of course it should be, but it wouldn't even occur to the Usual Policepeople to question whether one woman of color should step into another person of color's shoes. And demanding that only a Senegalese woman or a Muslim woman can play Zainab sorta underscores the lunacy of the whole thing but thats a broader conversation. 

[RippedMan]

Posted: 11/1/21 at 2:11am

There's some new movie coming out that involves gay stuff, and the two leads are 2 straight guys, so, of course, people are outraged. And I get it. But I just sort of come from the "let actors be actors." Like that ScarJo movie where she was going to play a trans women, and then all that outrage and now that movie isn't being made. I think there's good and bad. As a gay man, i don't want to ONLY play that. So it's interesting/frustrating for sure. 

How is a black woman playing a muslim woman any different than a white girl playing Maria in WSS?

[gibsons2]

Posted: 11/1/21 at 5:06pm

RippedMan said: "There's some new movie coming out that involves gay stuff, and the two leads are 2 straight guys, so, of course, people are outraged. And I get it. But I just sort of come from the "let actors be actors." Like that ScarJo movie where she was going to play a trans women, and then all that outrage and now that movie isn't being made. I think there's good and bad. As a gay man, i don't want to ONLY play that. So it's interesting/frustrating for sure.

How is a black woman playing a muslim woman any different than a white girl playing Maria in WSS?"

Because Islam (being muslim) is a religion not an ethnicity. Senegal is a muslim country with the majority black population. You can't be serious with those questions and comparisons, can you?