The Band's Visit or Come From Away — Page 2

"Basing it on real stories doesn’t make it inherently good theater. I’m not saying it’s bad. It just didn’t work for me as well as TBV did. I’m happy that others have a great time at CFA. The OP simply asked which I would chose and I stated my choice and why. I wish CFA no ill will."

I get it, on all levels. I was just looking for clarification on both our parts, and offering my own opinion. For the record, while I don't post much, I read a lot. I appreciate your reasoned and civilized posts. We don't have to agree, but I enjoy reading why you feel the way you do, whether we agree or not. I like to discuss differing opinions.

I appreciate the effort

Not that TBV is a star-driven show, but I do think that its actors are more important to its longevity than CFA. In CFA, the show/story is the selling point. That's why I think OP should see TBV this time 'round..

This shouldn't even be a choice as far as I'm concerned: THE BAND'S VISIT is the way to go, superior in every way. Don't even question it one second longer. If it weren't for the political climate we're in, we wouldn't even be talking about CFA at all - talk about luck..

I will always recommend Come From Away over The Band's Visit, based on my personal preference, as well as reaction from the general public. This board is not a microcosm of society, and, in the real world, most people like/love CFA, while many people dislike/were disappointed by/don't understand the acclaim for TBV. Since it opened, I've seen a lot of condescension toward people that aren't fans of TBV, as if they're unsophisticated and just don't understand the show. I've seen it twice, and I felt the same way both times. It was fine, but definitely not something I feel comfortable recommending without reservation. I enjoyed the film version much, much more. On the other hand, I can recommend CFA wholeheartedly.

Updated On: 12/23/18 at 01:26 PM

"loud New York circumcised types" is the funniest phrase I've read here in a while, LOL. Love it.

The answer to your question is quite simple: TBV!!! You must go before Katrina Lenk leaves to catch her performance.

I feel the reason why TBV gets such a bad rap by many that see it is because it does not fit into the nice little small box of what a “musical” by definition is supposed to be on Broadway. Most people expect huge musical dance / production numbers and this is NOT what TBV is. It is the polar opposite. In hopes of describing/defining TBV better, many have called it a “play with music”, because it breaks many of the rules of the traditional musical. But no, this is for sure a musical, as calling this a “play with music” deminshes the genius of Yazbek’s score. It is a small intimate beautifully entrancing deeply emotional show that requires you to lean in an be an active participant of the experience. I have seen it twice and can not wait to see it again.

If you like shows like “Once” or “Fun Home” then you will be able to appreciate TBV. If “Wicked” is more your thing, then go with the rest of the tourists to see CFA.

Updated On: 12/24/18 at 06:08 PM

"This shouldn't even be a choice as far as I'm concerned: THE BAND'S VISIT is the way to go, superior in every way. Don't even question it one second longer. If it weren't for the political climate we're in, we wouldn't even be talking about CFA at all - talk about luck.."

Can you explain to me what "the political climate we're in" has to do with CFA's success?

They're both great shows, but I'd go with TBV.

BenElliott said: "The Band's Visit has become one of my favorite musicals. It's innovative and beautiful and heartbreaking and yet really funny all at the same time. I don't understand how someone could find it boring or think that it isn't about anything. I was engrossed and moved the entire time. It's deserved all that acclaim."

It’s more subtle while CFA is not. Don’t get me wrong. A musical doesn’t have to be subtle for me to love it. Hell, HELLO, Dolly! (with Bette) slightly edged out TBV for my favorite theatrical experience of 2017. But I think some mistake TBV’s subtlety for monotony.