The Band's Visit
Ed Mirvish Theatre 244 Victoria, Toronto, Ontario
by David Yazbek and Itamar Moses (Mirvish). A lost band of musicians bring a sleepy town to life in this musical. Opens Sep 17 and runs to Oct 20, Tue-Sat 8 pm, mat Wed 1:30 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm. $49-$175.
www.mirvish.com/shows/the-bands-visit
MINI REVIEW
This Tony Award-winning musical about an Egyptian band that mistakenly ends up in a tiny Israeli village exudes a moody, Chekhovian glow that is heart-rending. Not much happens – members of the band interact with townsfolk over one night – but they communicate in a way that feels authentic and unsentimental. The music emerges simply and naturally from situations, and the performances, particularly by Chilina Kennedy and Sasson Gabay as a cafe owner and the band leader, are full of warmth and honesty.
NNNN (Glenn Sumi)