Bandstand on Broadway: Show Is Now Closed
Bandstand Summary
- Show Status: Closed
- Genre: Musical
- Bandstand is 2.5 Hours long, including an intermission of 15 Minutes
- 8 Shows per week
- Previews Began: March 31, 2017
- Show Opened : April 26, 2017
- Show Closed: September 17, 2017
Bandstand is a new musical that comes to Broadway following a successful run at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey. Set in 1945, this show tells the story of a group of World War II veterans who come together in an unlikely fashion to compete in a nationwide radio contest with aspirations of stardom, but ultimately become a great American inspiration.
What's Bandstand Like?
When Bandstand premiered in its tryout production, critics far and wide praised it as a fabulous new musical. AM New York called it “terrific” and “absorbing,” enjoying its catchy big-band score, swing choreography, and emotionally compelling characters. NJ.com called it the best new show to premiere at the Paper Mill Playhouse in years. Even the New York Post’s Michael Riedel, the most cynical Broadway journalist, postulated that Bandstand could be Broadway’s next big hit.
The show has chosen to premiere in the season following Hamilton. Bandstand is in the running for 2017 Tony Award Best Musical contender. The plot hinges on a song competition to welcome the soldiers back from World War II, giving the winner the chance to perform the song at Rockefeller Center. Without being overly patriotic, the musical is compelling in the high emotional stakes involved in this excellent new show.
Is Bandstand Good for Kids?
The show is recommended for ages 13 and up due to strong language and adult themes. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre.
Bandstand on Broadway Background
This musical has a book and lyrics by Richard Oberacker and Robert Taylor and a score by Richard Oberacker. Oberacker is currently the conductor of the Cirque du Soleil show Ka in Las Vegas. He also wrote and directed the musical Journey to the West which played Off Broadway in 2006. After its opening at the Paper Mill Playhouse, Bandstand critics declared that this was the best show in many years to premiere at this regional theatre, which is a common venue for Broadway tryouts. The Broadway production stars Tony Award nominee Laura Osnes (Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Bonnie and Clyde) and Corey Cott (Gigi, Newsies the Musical), both of whom also originated the roles in the Paper Mill Playhouse production. The musical is directed and choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler, who is also the choreographer of Hamilton, Annie, Bring it On the Musical, and many other shows. An experienced choreographer, this will be his Broadway directorial debut.
Theatre Information
Bernard B Jacobs Theatre
New York, NY 10019
Cast Members
- Donny Novitski
- Corey Cott
- Julia
- Laura Osnes
- Mrs. Adams
- Beth Leavel
- Wayne Wright
- Geoff Packard
- Johnny Simpson
- Joe Carroll
- Davy Zlatic
- Brandon James Ellis
- Nick Radel
- Joey Pero
- Jimmy Campbell
- James Nathan Hopkins
Producers
Tom Smedes
Gabrielle Palitz
Terry Schnuck
Tom Kirdahy
Production Credits
- Set Design
- David Korins
- Costume Design
- Paloma Young
- Light Design
- Jeff Croiter
- Sound Design
- Nevin Steinberg
- Music
- Richard Oberacker
- Musical Supervisor
- Greg Anthony + Mary-Mitchell Campbell
- Direction + Choreography
- Andy Blankenbuehler
- Lyrics
- Richard Oberacker
- Book
- Robert Taylor
- Production Stage Manager
- Mark Dobrow
Creative Team
- General Manager
- Charlotte Wilcox Company
- Technical Supervisor
- Juniper Street Productions
- Company Manager
- Katie Pope at Charlotte Wilcox
- Casting Director
- Tara Rubin Casting
- Advertising Representative
- AKA NYC
- Press Agent
- Boneau Bryan-Brown