Photo Flash: First Look at Laura Osnes, Corey Cott, Beth Leavel and More in THE BANDSTAND at Paper Mill

Paper Mill Playhouse opens its 2015-2016 season with the world premiere musical The Bandstand. As previously announced, Tony Award nominee Laura Osnes (Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella, Bonnie and Clyde), Corey Cott (Newsies, Gigi) and Tony Award winner Beth Leavel (The Drowsy Chaperone, 42nd Street) will star in The Bandstand. The show began performances last night, October 8, 2015, and runs through Sunday, November 8, 2015. The official press opening night is Sunday, October 18, at 7:00pm. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Also in the cast are Joe Carroll (Johnny Simpson), Brandon J. Ellis (Davy Zlatic), James Nathan Hopkins (Jimmy Campbell), Geoff Packard (Wayne Wright), and Joey Pero (Nick Radel). Rounding out the company are: Tanya Birl, Thomas Cannizzaro, Max Clayton, Daniel Cooney, Matt Cusack, Andrea Dotto,Stacia Fernandez, Marc A. Heitzman, Ryan Kasprzak, Andrew Leggieri, Lauren Mufson, Mike Nappi, Jessica Lea Patty, Jeff Pew, Keven Quillon, Corey John Snide, Emily Tate and Mindy Wallace.

THE BANDSTAND is directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton, Bring It On, In the Heights). The Bandstand features a book and lyrics by Richard Oberacker and Robert Taylor and music by Richard Oberacker.

On the creative team are: David Korins (Scenic Design); Paloma Young (Costume Design); Jeff Croiter (Lighting Design); Nevin Steinberg (Sound Design); J. Jared Janas (Hair, Wig & Makeup Design); and Tara Rubin Casting (Casting).

Set in 1945, The Bandstand tells the story of a mismatched band of military veterans who join together to compete in a national radio contest in New York City with a prize that will guarantee instant stardom to the winners. But with complicated relationships, the demands of the competition and the challenging after-effects of war, going all the way for a win in the contest seems like a dream that may break these musicians. The original score is strongly influenced by authentic 1940s swing music and much of it is played onstage by the characters who make up the band. The show races towards a "live on air" finale that has an emotionally charged and surprise twist ending that requires every ounce of talent, stamina and raw nerve that these musicians possess.

For tickets and more information, visit www.PaperMill.org.

Photo Credit: Jerry Dalia (unless otherwise specified)