Nino in The Band’s Visit MNL

Last March 2020, Atlantis Theatrical was set to open the curtain on Bet Hatikva and The Band’s Visit. A beautiful story about human connection and commonality between even the most unlikely of cultures. The Band’s Tale is the story of an Egyptian Police Band that gets stranded in a tiny Israeli town and must spend the night, getting to know and connect with the locals in the process. The Tony award-winning musical features music by David Yazbek and book by Itamar Moses based on a 2007 Israeli film of the same name. The Atlantis production was under the direction of Bobby Garcia.

“Words can’t express how happy I was to join this cast and this beautiful show,” Nino recalls. “The music is exceptional and the story is so poignant. Especially now, when we tend to feel divided and apart. It reminds us that we are all connected.”

The Manila show was set to star Menchu Lauchengco Yulo as Dina, the Israeli cafe owner and Rody Vera as Colonel Tewfiq Zakaria, the role popularized by Tony Shaloub on Broadway.

Alongside them would be Mark Bautista as Haled, Bibo Reyes as Itzik, Reb Atadero as Papi, and Nino set to play the role of Avrum. Also in the cast were Jill Peña, Floyd Tena, Maronne Cruz, Dean Rosen, Philippe Go, Steven Conde, Leanne Mamonong, Rhenwyn Gabalonzo.

Unfortunately, The Band’s Visit in Manila was never able to open due to the coronavirus pandemic hitting in March. The cast was able to present the story to a very select few family members and friends (highly socially distanced in the theatre) before having to close the production on opening night.

Audiences expressed dismay and sadness at missing the much-awaited musical. Due to the on-going health crisis, several shows (and entire seasons) had to be cancelled and postponed. Theatre lovers hope that the band can visit again once it’s safe for audiences to go back to the theatre.

Photos courtesy of Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group