A few weeks, Broadway's "The Band's Visit" won big at the 2018 Tony Awards and three weeks ago, I had the pleasure of watching it for myself. This show was an absolute revelation, in my opinion; from its music to a storyline that encourages human connection and a thread that ties every human being together irrespective of divides like backgrounds or culture.
"The Band's Visit," tells a story of an Egyptian band that finds themselves in a small town in Israel filled with interesting people who, through music and a night of hospitality, teach each other that as humans we are more alike than we are different. I think Broadway needs more shows like "The Band's Visit," that, although don't have dazzling sets or beautiful intricate costumes, still speak to the human experience and a deep-rooted need for connection and understanding.
Having a positive storyline that harbored good vibes and encouraged a "love thy neighbor" atmosphere was very refreshing. Its authenticity was also astounding, from its reference to Egyptian icons like Om-Kolthoum to dialogue in Hebrew and Arabic only added to the idea that the audience really was observing a night where a group of travelers and a small-town community touched each other. Of course, there were translating headpieces that helped keep the audience in the loop as to what was going on. The music was also authentic to the area and featured beats and rhythms to their songs that screamed Middle Eastern.
To a person of Middle Eastern descent, the show was jam-packed with familiar tunes, instruments, and names like Omar Sharif and Om Kolthoum, both of whom were featured in one of the show's more popular songs, "Omar Sharif" beautifully performed by Katrina Lenk. It's a song that seeks to bridge the gap between the Israeli Dina and the Egyptian Tewfiq by allowing them to reminisce on what makes them similar and brings them together (jasmine-scented wind, nights with their families, music that speaks all languages, and a yearning for connection that transcends merely themselves) rather than differences that might keep them apart.
Although I love every Broadway show as much as the next person, a show like this one, with relatable characters, storylines and similar goals and dreams that lets someone in the audience think "wow this sounds like me" is definitely one that should have a permanent presence on Broadway for it and stories like it. "The Band's Visit", in my opinion, was very deserving of its Tony Award for "Best Musical" and I'm very excited to see where this show goes next.
