December 5, 2023

“The Band's Visit” is one of the most captivating musicals about…nothing. Though it might not be action packed, it packs a punch for maximizing everyday moments and making them feel momentous. The Tony-winning show follows the adventures of a touring Egyptian band stranded in an Israeli village. With nowhere for the musicians to stay, the locals take them in for the night. The overriding sentiment of “The Band’s Visit” is captured in the song Something Different: “Nothing is as beautiful as something that you don't expect.” Coming up, I talk to the man behind those words, David Yazbek, the composer and lyricist for the hit musical which is now onstage at The Huntington. From there it’s two scoops of Scrooge. I speak with actors David Coffee and Karen MacDonald about what it takes to play Charles Dickens’ iconic character Finally, we continue with the holiday spirit, previewing a one-of-a-kind Hanukkah celebration.