Harold Prince to Direct Musical Adaptation of Israeli Film The Band’s Visit at Hartford Stage

Strike up the Band! Legendary director and producer Harold Prince will helm a new musical adaptation of the 2007 Israeli film The Band’s Visit, produced by Orin Wolf and Maxwell Williams. The musical will premiere as part of the 2014-15 season at Connecticut’s Hartford Stage. No exact dates, creative team or casting have been announced.

Based on Eran Kolirin’s film of the same name, The Band’s Visit tells the story of the Alexandria Ceremonial Police Band’s arrival in Israel to play at the opening of a cultural center. But when their hosts don’t show up, a communication error sends them in the wrong direction. The band finds themselves in a small settlement in the heart of the Negev Desert. With no hotels in sight and no transportation available until the next morning, the beleaguered band is forced to spend the night. The 2007 comedy, starring Sasson Gabai, Ronit Elkabetz and Saleh Bakri, was the winner of the Jury Coup de Couer prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

Prince has earned 21 Tony Awards (more than any other individual) and received the National Medal of Arts in 2000 for a career spanning over 40 years. His Broadway directing credits include She Loves Me, Cabaret, Company, Follies, Candide, Pacific Overtures, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Evita, The Phantom of the Opera, Parade and Bounce.

Click below to see the trailer for the 2007 movie The Band's Visit!