Set in 1945, Bandstand tells the story of musician Donny Novitski who is about to take on the mission of his life: leading his band of fellow veterans into competition for America's next swing band sensation. However, complicated relationships, the demands of the competition and the challenging after-effects of war may break these musicians.
The original score is strongly influenced by authentic 1940s swing music, much of which is played onstage by the characters and band members. When Donny meets a beautiful, young singer named Julia, he finds the perfect harmony in words and music that could take this band of brothers all the way to the live radio broadcast finale in New York City. But to succeed, it will require every ounce of talent, stamina and raw nerve that these musicians possess.
Bandstand, on the other hand, has the courage of its convictions. It is really about what it's really about, which broadly speaking is the damage war does to combatants and the further damage sometimes done by peace. Yes, it's the first PTSD musical. I'm not saying it's perfectly carried out, or even especially profound, but as directed and choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler, who created the musical staging for Hamilton, it remains almost compulsively faithful to its vision and never asks you to choose between what it's showing you and what you know to be true. Unlike too many musicals, it matches itself.
'Bandstand,' an openhearted, indecisive new musical, wants you clapping your hands and clenching your fists, tapping your toes and blinking back tears. It is both a peppy celebration of can-do spirit and a more somber exploration of what American servicemen experienced when they marched home from World War II. Directed and choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler, the Tony Award-winning choreographer of 'Hamilton,' with book and lyrics by the Broadway newcomers Richard Oberacker and Rob Taylor, and a 1940s pastiche score by Mr. Oberacker, 'Bandstand' is an undercooked slice of apple pie, served with a dollop of anguish.
2015 | Milburn, NJ (Regional) |
Paper Mill Playhouse World Premiere Production Milburn, NJ (Regional) |
2017 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
---|---|---|---|
2017 | BroadwayWorld Awards | Best Choreography | Andy Blankenbuehler |
2017 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Actress in a Musical | Laura Osnes |
2017 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Book of a Musical | Richard Oberacker |
2017 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Choreography | Andy Blankenbuehler |
2017 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Costume Design for a Musical | Paloma Young |
2017 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Lighting Design for a Musical | Jeff Croiter |
2017 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Music | Richard Oberacker |
2017 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Orchestrations | Bill Elliott |
2017 | Drama League Awards | Distinguished Performance Award | Laura Osnes |
2017 | Drama League Awards | Outstanding Production of a Broadway of Off-Broadway Musical | Bandstand |
2017 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Choreographer | Andy Blankenbuehler |
2017 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Orchestrations | Bill Elliott |
2017 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Sound Design (Play or Musical) | Nevin Steinberg |
2017 | Tony Awards | Best Choreography | Andy Blankenbuehler |
2017 | Tony Awards | Best Orchestrations | Bill Elliott |
Videos