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Bandstand 2017

Run Time:
Two hours and 30 minutes, with one intermission
Ages: 8+
Opened: April 26, 2017
Closing: September 17, 2017

Bandstand - 2017 Broadway History , Info & More

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.


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PREVIEW Bandstand - 2017 - Broadway

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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Bandstand

Broadway Review: 1940s-Style ‘Bandstand’ Has A Blindspot
8 / 10

The final musical of the 2016-2017 Broadway season, Bandstand opened tonight at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre with a swinging look back at 1946. It's about the post-WWII era and the conflicted welcome rolled out for returning veterans (think William Wyler's The Best Years of Their Lives) and the music that swept across the U.S. during that period. Bandstand, staged with breathtaking originality by director-choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton), swings in a different way, as well: between the soft-focus lens of nostalgia and the jarring clarity that a contemporary view demands.

‘Bandstand’ review: Band of war vets serves up music and emotion
7 / 10

The title 'Bandstand' is a curveball. So is the subtitle, 'The New American Musical.' For audiences of a certain age, the name of the season's final musical suggests those dopey and adored teen dance shows that began on '50s TV. To audiences of a different certain age, the '40s look of the publicity photos implies a happy story of the bands that entertained the troops in World War II and moviegoers forevermore. Once inside the theater, however, we discover that we are meant to take the word apart and take it seriously. This is a musical - really, more of a musical drama - about a band of damaged war veterans who take a stand while competing in a national radio contest in 1945. The concept is more ambitious, darker and more sophisticated than its name invites theatergoers to enjoy. It is also more than a little shapeless and overly long.

VIDEO: BANDSTAND's Laura Osnes Reminisces with Her Grandmother, a Real-Life 1940s Swing Band Singer
by BWW News Desk - September 15, 2017


Laura Osnes shares a special connection as she takes the stage each night in Broadway's BANDSTAND, as her grandmother was a real-life singer in a 1940s swing band. Watch their Skype session below!

Ain't They Proud: Take a Look Back at BANDSTAND
by Marissa Sblendorio - September 17, 2017


The Tony Award-winning production of the new American musical Bandstand, directed and choreographed by three-time Tony Award winner Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton, In The Heights) and featuring music by Richard Oberacker and a book and lyrics by Robert Taylor and Richard Oberacker, will conclude its run on Broadway today, Sunday, September, 17, 2017 following 24 previews and 166 regular performances. Bandstand began performances on March 31, 2017, and officially opened April 26 at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre.

VIDEO: Corey Cott & Laura Osnes Duet on Original Demo of 'This Is Life' from BANDSTAND
by BWW News Desk - September 14, 2017


For #ThrowbackThursday, BANDSTAND composer Richard Oberacker shared footage of Corey Cott and Laura Osnes recording the very first demo of 'This Is Life,' newly added to the musical in the first days of rehearsal for Broadway. Watch them perform the original version, including first draft lyrics and a slightly longer ending, in the video below, featuring Oberacker on piano!

BANDSTAND Announces Partnerships for Performance Rights and Future National Tour!
by Nicole Rosky - September 13, 2017


The producers of the Tony Award winning production of the new American musical Bandstand, directed and choreographed by three time Tony Award winner Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton, In The Heights) and featuring music by Richard Oberacker and a book and lyrics by Robert Taylor and Richard Oberacker, are pleased to announce partnerships with Work Light Productions, The Road Company and Samuel Frenchfor the future touring and performance rights of the musical.

BANDSTAND Swings Into Final Weeks on Broadway
by BWW News Desk - September 5, 2017


Catch the Tony Award winning production of the new musical Bandstand, directed and choreographed by three time Tony Award winner Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton, In The Heights) during its final weeks before its final performance on Sunday, September 17.

Photo Coverage: BANDSTAND Marks 'Spirit of '45' Day with America's Longest Working Rosie the Riveter
by Jessica Fallon Gordon - August 14, 2017


The cast of Broadway's hit musical Bandstand - the only musical to depict the World War II veteran experience on Broadway - welcomed 'America's Longest Working Rosie the Riveter,' 97-year-old Elinor Otto, and 93-year-old Luke Gasparre, decorated Battle of the Bulge Purple Heart recipient in his original service uniform, to the Broadway stage on Friday evening. Following the performance curtain call, Bandstand star Corey Cott invited them to join the Broadway company for a special salute and bow. BroadwayWorld was there and brings you photos from the visit below!

Photo Coverage: Sardi's Unveils Portrait of BANDSTAND's Corey Cott
by Walter McBride - August 12, 2017


Strike up the band, Corey Cott is on the wall at Sardi's! Check out the unveiling of the Bandstand star's new portrait, a moment shared with Bandstand costars and Cott's lovely wife and newly arrived baby!

Breaking: Last Gig! BANDSTAND Will Play Final Broadway Performance This September
by Nicole Rosky - August 9, 2017


The Tony Award winning production of the new American musical Bandstand, directed and choreographed by three time Tony Award winner Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton, In The Heights) and featuring music byRichard Oberacker and a book and lyrics by Robert Taylor and Richard Oberacker, will conclude its critically acclaimed engagement on Broadway on Sunday, September, 17, 2017 following 24 previews and 166 regular performances.

The Broadwaysted Podcast Sips and Swings with BANDSTAND's Laura Osnes and Corey Cott and Makes a Big Announcement
by Broadwaysted - August 8, 2017


We've been anything but shy about sharing our love of BANDSTAND (on stage and captured in the brilliant Cast Recording!) and this week the Broadwaysted Crew ventures backstage at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre for a pre-show chat with stars Laura Osnes and Corey Cott! This week we're getting cozy in Corey's dressing room as we discuss the show that is NOT actually related to 'American Bandstand' but IS actually full of depth, heart, and amazing music.

Photo Coverage: The Band Plays On! BANDSTAND Celebrates 100 Performances on Broadway
by Jennifer Broski - July 27, 2017


The Tony Award winning production of the new musical Bandstand, directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton) and featuring music by Richard Oberacker and a book and lyrics by Robert Taylor and Richard Oberacker, celebrated 100 performances on Broadway at the matinee performance just yesterday, Wednesday, July 26. BroadwayWorld was there for the special day and you can check out photos below!

Strike Up the Band! BANDSTAND Celebrates 100 Performances with Free Cast Album Streaming
by BWW News Desk - July 26, 2017


The Tony Award winning production of the new musical Bandstand, directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton) and featuring music by Richard Oberacker and a book and lyrics by Robert Taylor and Richard Oberacker, celebrates 100 performances on Broadway at the matinee performance today, Wednesday, July 26.

VIDEO: The Playbillies Bring Bluegrass to BANDSTAND in 'First Steps First' Cover
by BWW News Desk - July 21, 2017


The Playbillies present 'First Steps First' from the Broadway musical 'Bandstand' by Richard Oberacker and Robert Taylor. This exciting new Bluegrass cover is to celebrate our very own Playbilly Matt Cusack joining the cast of 'Bandstand' performing the role of 'Johnny Simpson' for the first time this Sunday, July 23rd. Check it out below!

BANDSTAND'S Hopkins & Pero Join BANDSTAND SINGS THE BIG BAND at Feinstein's/54 Below
by Stephi Wild - July 20, 2017


BANDSTAND'S James Nathan Hopkins, Joey Pero, and Matt Cusak have joined Feinstein's/54 Below's BANDSTAND SINGS THE BIG BAND on Sunday, August 6th, at 7pm & 9:30pm.

Cast of BANDSTAND to Get Nostalgic at Feinstein's/54 Below
by BWW News Desk - July 12, 2017


On Sunday, August 6th, at 7pm & 9:30pm, cast members of Broadway's Tony Award winning musical Bandstand will take Feinstein's/54 Below's audiences on a trip down memory lane to the swinging sounds of the 1940s with BANDSTAND SINGS THE BIG BAND

BWW Interview: Debut of the Month - BANDSTAND's Joey Pero
by Caryn Robbins - July 21, 2017


After several difficult months of rehab and recovery, talented star Joey Pero finally stepped on the stage of the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on Friday, June 30th to make his Broadway debut. Today, the actor speaks with BWW about his journey.

VIDEO: BANDSTAND's Laura Osnes Performs Patriotic Medley on A CAPITOL FOURTH
by Caryn Robbins - July 5, 2017


Star of BANDSTAND on Broadway, Laura Osnes performed a medley of patriotic songs at the 2017 A Capitol Fourth on PBS to help ring in America's 241st birthday! Check out the performance in full below!

Joey Pero Returns to BANDSTAND Tonight
by BWW News Desk - June 30, 2017


The Tony Award winning production of the new musical Bandstand, directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton) and featuring music by Richard Oberacker and a book and lyrics by Robert Taylor and Richard Oberacker, welcomes Joey Pero back to the production in the role of Nick Radel beginning tonight.

Photo Coverage: BANDSTAND Celebrates Cast Recording Release at Barnes & Noble
by Jennifer Broski - June 23, 2017


Strike up the band, because Bandstand celebrated its cast recording release with a swingin performance and signing at Barnes and Noble! See all of the photos from the event below.

BWW Exclusive: Jiving, Two-Stepping, and Swinging Through the Career of Andy Blankenbuehler
by Linnae Medeiros - July 3, 2017


Though he began his Broadway career as an ensemble dancer in countless productions ranging from 'Guys and Dolls' to 'Man of La Mancha,' Andy Blankenbuehler has become known as one of the go-to choreographers in the theatre world. With him having three shows currently running on the main stem, including his newly Tony-winning 'Bandstand,' we are looking back at the extensive and diverse resume of this extraordinary creator.

VIDEO: Laura Osnes, Corey Cott & BANDSTAND Cast Perform 'Nobody' Live on GMA
by Caryn Robbins - June 20, 2017


The Tony Award winning production of the new musical Bandstand, directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Andy Blankenbuehler (HAMILTON) and featuring music by Richard Oberacker and a book and lyrics by Robert Taylor and Richard Oberacker, performed on this morning's GOOD MORNING AMERICA.

DVR Alert: Broadway's BANDSTAND Swings and Sings on GOOD MORNING AMERICA Today
by BWW News Desk - June 20, 2017


The Tony Award winning production of the new musical Bandstand, directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton) and featuring music by Richard Oberacker and a book and lyrics by Robert Taylor and Richard Oberacker, performs on 'Good Morning America' today, June 20, in the 8:30am half hour.

Bandstand History

Other Productions of Bandstand

2015   Milburn, NJ (Regional) Paper Mill Playhouse World Premiere Production
Milburn, NJ (Regional)
2017   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway

Bandstand - 2017 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
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

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