Interview: Beth Leavel in THE BANDSTAND at Paper Mill

The Bandstand, a World Premiere original Musical will make its debut at Paper Mill Playhouse and run from October 8th to November 8th. This sizzling big-band swing musical has an original score and a plot that is full of twists and turns. It's the story of a mismatched band of WWII veterans, battle-scarred and broke. Dreaming of a better life, they join together to compete in a national radio contest with a prize that guarantees instant stardom to the winners. The Bandstand is directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner, Andy Blankenbuehler. Broadwayworld.com had the opportunity to interview Beth Leavel, who plays the part of Mrs. Adams in The Bandstand.

Leavel returns to Paper Mill Playhouse, where she last appeared as Berthe in Boeing-Boeing. She has received Tony, Drama Desk, NY Outer Critics Circle, and Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards for her performance as the title character in The Drowsy Chaperone. Leavel's other Broadway credits include Baby It's You! Elf, Mamma Mia!, Young Frankenstein,42nd Street, Crazy for You and more. Ms. Leavel was also seen in the New York City Center Encores! production of No, No, Nanette as Lucille. Her film and television credits include ER, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, The Unusuals and more.

We asked Leavel about her earliest interest in theater. She commented, "I was a late-bloomer when it comes to performing." She said that her mother made her take dancing in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades and she did enjoy the recitals. And as a 6th grader, she was in a historical re-enactment play. In her senior year of high school, she auditioned for Brigadoon and got the role of Bonnie Jean. Leavel commented, "There was no looking back."

Leavel studied sociology in college and took advantage of every opportunity to participate in college shows and local theater. In her junior year, Drama Professor Linda Bamford encouraged her career. When she earned her MFA, the degree gave her the opportunity to be "more informed and ready to go."

We asked Leavel about some of her inspirations. She is passionate about her profession and the people she works with. "Every show I do I learn something from my colleagues. Good theater really changes your life" She further commented, "I am always in school when I am working." During The Bandstand rehearsals, she has been enjoying watching the dance segments. "I love to watch Andy teach the dancers. Dance is so integral to the telling of the story."

We asked Leavel to tell us a little about working on The Bandstand at Paper Mill. "Paper Mill is top-notch. The Bandstand is original and there are few new musicals with a completely original idea. It is a creative piece, refreshing, with vision and a great story. It also has beautiful love story as an element and who doesn't enjoy a love story?

We asked Leavel if there was anything else she wanted Broadwayworld.com readers to know. "It is a privilege to debut this beautiful piece at the Millburn playhouse. The Bandstand is a gift for the audience and a gift for Paper Mill."

The Bandstand will be performed at Paper Mill Playhouse eight times a week, Wednesday through Sunday. Performance schedule: Wednesday at 7:30pm, Thursday at 1:30pm and 7:30pm, Friday at 8:00pm, Saturday at 1:30pm and 8:00pm and Sunday at 1:30pm and 7:00pm. Tickets are on sale now and range from $29 to $102. Tickets may be purchased by calling 973.376.4343, at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn, or online at www.PaperMill.org. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express accepted. Groups of 10 or more can receive up to a 40% discount on tickets and should call 973.315.1680. College students can order $20 rush tickets over the phone or in person at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office on the day of the performance.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Paper Mill Playhouse