March 1, 2024

“The Band's Visit” is one of the most captivating musicals about…nothing. 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: Quote, “Nothing is as beautiful as something that you don't expect.” I talk to the man behind those words, David Yazbek, the composer and lyricist for the hit musical. From there, What does it mean to be at sea? Literally, it means to be away from land. Figuratively it means to have no path. It means confusion and disorientation. This is what is captured in a 1915 Japanese work of art titled “Morning Sea.” Writer Gish Jen describes the experience of seeing this expanse of ocean as overpowering and profound.