Bandstand
Bandstand is a swing musical about Donny Novitzk, a musician who returns from the war, traumatized but with the desire to re-build his life following the death of his best friend. Donny learns about a national radio contest to support the troops, and recruits fellow veterans to form a band. Each member faces their own demons, but finds solace through the power of music. The band finds their song through Julia, a poet and singer, who is also the widow of Donny’s best friend.
Stage Production Notes
Bandstand was created and written by Rob Taylor and Richard Oberacker, who met during a touring production of The Lion King.
Following readings and workshops, Bandstand (originally titled The Bandstand) received its first full production in 2015 at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey. Directed and choreographed by Andy Blankenbuelher, the production featured Corey Cott and Laura Osnes. The actors cast as band members played their instruments on stage.
The Paper Mill Playhouse production received generally warm reviews, and several commentators noted their hope for future productions.
Following some adjustments to the book and score, Bandstand opened on Broadway at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on April 26, 2017.
Critical reviews for the final musical of the 2016-2017 Broadway season were mixed. While critics praised Andy Blankenbuehler’s inventive and “dazzling” choreography, and the genuine heart of the show, they felt the musical missed the mark. The New York Times’ Alexis Soloski described Bandstand as “an undercooked slice of apple pie, served with a dollop of anguish.” Deadline’s Jeremy Gerard enjoyed the production, but was perplexed by the absence of characters of color, and actors of color, within the production.
Several critics also noted leading man’s Corey Cott’s outstanding performance, with Broadway News critic Charles Isherwood describing it as the “breakout performance of the season.”
Bandstand was nominated for a slew of awards. Director-choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler received several accolades for his highly-praised work, including the Chita Rivera Award for Outstanding Choreography in a Broadway Show, the Drama Desk Awards for Best Choreography and Outstanding Orchestrations, the Tony Award for Best Choreography.
Thanks to its realistic portrayal of army veterans with PTSD, Bandstand was the first theatrical production to be certified by Got Your 6, a veteran’s advocacy organization whose work includes promoting the authentic portrayal of the military in entertainment.
Following 166 regular performances, Bandstand concluded its Broadway run on September 17, 2017.
A national tour was announced following the Broadway closing, however dates and locations have yet to be announced.
Bandstand is available for professional licensing through Samuel French.
Bandstand was created and written by Rob Taylor and Richard Oberacker, who met during a touring production of The Lion King.
Following readings and workshops, Bandstand (originally titled The Bandstand) received its first full production in 2015 at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey. Directed and choreographed by Andy Blankenbuelher, the production featured Corey Cott and Laura Osnes. The actors cast as band members played their instruments on stage.
The Paper Mill Playhouse production received generally warm reviews, and several commentators noted their hope for future productions.
Following some adjustments to the book and score, Bandstand opened on Broadway at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on April 26, 2017.
Critical reviews for the final musical of the 2016-2017 Broadway season were mixed. While critics praised Andy Blankenbuehler’s inventive and “dazzling” choreography, and the genuine heart of the show, they felt the musical missed the mark. The New York Times’ Alexis Soloski described Bandstand as “an undercooked slice of apple pie, served with a dollop of anguish.” Deadline’s Jeremy Gerard enjoyed the production, but was perplexed by the absence of characters of color, and actors of color, within the production.
Several critics also noted leading man’s Corey Cott’s outstanding performance, with Broadway News critic Charles Isherwood describing it as the “breakout performance of the season.”
Bandstand was nominated for a slew of awards. Director-choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler received several accolades for his highly-praised work, including the Chita Rivera Award for Outstanding Choreography in a Broadway Show, the Drama Desk Awards for Best Choreography and Outstanding Orchestrations, the Tony Award for Best Choreography.
Thanks to its realistic portrayal of army veterans with PTSD, Bandstand was the first theatrical production to be certified by Got Your 6, a veteran’s advocacy organization whose work includes promoting the authentic portrayal of the military in entertainment.
Following 166 regular performances, Bandstand concluded its Broadway run on September 17, 2017.
A national tour was announced following the Broadway closing, however dates and locations have yet to be announced.
Bandstand is available for professional licensing through Samuel French.
Filmed Production Notes
Bandstand was filmed live during its Broadway run.
The film, titled The Boys are Back: BANDSTAND, The Broadway Musical, was screened in 700 cinemas across North America on June 25 and 28, 2018. The screening included “behind-the-scenes and never-before-seen backstage footage, [and] interviews with the cast and creative teams.” It was presented by Fathom Events and Sing Out, Louise! Productions - the same team that brought Allegiance to the screen. Encore screenings were held in November 2018.
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Playbill made Bandstand available to stream for a small fee between April 10 - April 17, 2020. Proceeds from the stream were donated to The Actors Fund.
To commemorate Memorial Day in May 2020, Bandstand was made available for a small fee ($6.99) on new streaming service Broadway on Demand. The stream was available from May 25 until June 2, 2020 and again from May 25 - May 31, 2022.
Bandstand was available to stream via stream.theatre between November 6-8 and November 11, 2020.
Bandstand is now available on Broadway on Demand.
Bandstand was filmed live during its Broadway run.
The film, titled The Boys are Back: BANDSTAND, The Broadway Musical, was screened in 700 cinemas across North America on June 25 and 28, 2018. The screening included “behind-the-scenes and never-before-seen backstage footage, [and] interviews with the cast and creative teams.” It was presented by Fathom Events and Sing Out, Louise! Productions - the same team that brought Allegiance to the screen. Encore screenings were held in November 2018.
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Playbill made Bandstand available to stream for a small fee between April 10 - April 17, 2020. Proceeds from the stream were donated to The Actors Fund.
To commemorate Memorial Day in May 2020, Bandstand was made available for a small fee ($6.99) on new streaming service Broadway on Demand. The stream was available from May 25 until June 2, 2020 and again from May 25 - May 31, 2022.
Bandstand was available to stream via stream.theatre between November 6-8 and November 11, 2020.
Bandstand is now available on Broadway on Demand.
Bandstand PRODUCTION CREDITS
Opening Date: April 26, 2017
Closing Date: Sept 17, 2017
Air date: June 25 and 28, 2018
Medium: cinema
Where to watch: Broadway on Demand
Theatre: Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, NYC
Producer: Fathom Events, Sing Out Louise Productions
Book: Rob Taylor, Richard Oberacker
Music: Richard Oberacker
Lyrics: Rob Taylor, Richard Oberacker
Director and Choreographer: Andy Blankenbuehler
Musical Director: Fred Lassen
Orchestrations: Greg Anthony Rassen and Bill Elliott
Vocal Arrangements: David Kreppel
Scenic Design: David Korins
Costume Design: Paloma Young
Lighting Design: Jeff Croiter
Sound Design: Nevin Steinberg
Hair, Wig, and Make-Up Design: J. Jared Janas, Dave Boa
Stage Manager: Julia P. Jones
Cast:
Corey Cott (Donny Novitzk), Laura Osnes (Julia), Beth Leavel (Mrs. June Adams), Alex Bender (Nick Radel), Joe Carroll (Johnny Simpson), Brandon J. Ellis (Davy Zlatic), James Nathan Hopkins (Jimmy Campbell), Geoff Packard (Wayne Wright), Ensemble: Max Clayton, Andrea Dotto, Ryan Kasprzak, Erica Mansfield, Morgan Marcell, Drew McVety, Kevyn Morrow, Jessica Lea Patty, Keven Quillon, Jonathan Shew, Ryan VanDenBoom, Jaime Verzin
Opening Date: April 26, 2017
Closing Date: Sept 17, 2017
Air date: June 25 and 28, 2018
Medium: cinema
Where to watch: Broadway on Demand
Theatre: Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, NYC
Producer: Fathom Events, Sing Out Louise Productions
Book: Rob Taylor, Richard Oberacker
Music: Richard Oberacker
Lyrics: Rob Taylor, Richard Oberacker
Director and Choreographer: Andy Blankenbuehler
Musical Director: Fred Lassen
Orchestrations: Greg Anthony Rassen and Bill Elliott
Vocal Arrangements: David Kreppel
Scenic Design: David Korins
Costume Design: Paloma Young
Lighting Design: Jeff Croiter
Sound Design: Nevin Steinberg
Hair, Wig, and Make-Up Design: J. Jared Janas, Dave Boa
Stage Manager: Julia P. Jones
Cast:
Corey Cott (Donny Novitzk), Laura Osnes (Julia), Beth Leavel (Mrs. June Adams), Alex Bender (Nick Radel), Joe Carroll (Johnny Simpson), Brandon J. Ellis (Davy Zlatic), James Nathan Hopkins (Jimmy Campbell), Geoff Packard (Wayne Wright), Ensemble: Max Clayton, Andrea Dotto, Ryan Kasprzak, Erica Mansfield, Morgan Marcell, Drew McVety, Kevyn Morrow, Jessica Lea Patty, Keven Quillon, Jonathan Shew, Ryan VanDenBoom, Jaime Verzin
Sources
Articles
Websites
- Mark Blankenship, “Broadway’s Bandstand Marks an Historic Theatrical First,” Playbill (April 11, 2017)
- BWW News Desk, "BANDSTAND to Stream on Broadway On Demand This Monday, With Pre-Show Event Hosted by Corey Cott," Broadway World (May 22, 2020)
- Ruthie Fierberg, “Broadway’s Bandstand, Starring Laura Osnes and Corey Cott, Will Hit Cinemas in June,” Playbill (April 19, 2018)
- David Finkle, ““Bandstand” Boasts an Upbeat Downbeat,” Huffington Post (April 26, 2017)
- Jeremy Gerard, “Broadway Review: 1940s-Style ‘Bandstand’ Has a Blindspot,” Deadline (April 26, 2017)
- Michael Glitz, “Theater: Upbeat “Bandstand,” “Gin Game” Goes Bust, Slimmer Somewhat Satisfying “Rothschilds”” Huffington Post (Oct 19, 2015)
- Jesse Green, “Theater Review: Bandstand Is a Musical About (and Evocative of) the Golden Age,” Vulture (April 26, 2017)
- Liz Keill, “‘The Bandstand’ evokes World War II Period at Paper Mill Playhouse,” Tap into Elizabeth (Oct 19, 2015)
- Charles Isherwood, “Review: ‘Bandstand’” Broadway News (April 26, 2017)
- Patrick Maley, “Did the Paper Mill just premiere its best show in years?” NJ Advance (Oct 19, 2015)
- Ryan McPhee, “Bandstand Secures Partnerships for Future Productions and National Tour,” Playbill (Sept 13, 2017)
- Ryan McPhee, “Bandstand Closes on Broadway September 17,” Playbill (Sept 17, 2017)
- Frank Rizzo, “Broadway Review: Swing Musical ‘Bandstand’,” Variety (April 26, 2017)
- Mark A. Robinson, “BROADWAY’S BANDSTAND HEADED FOR CINEMAS,” Broadway Direct (April 30, 2018)
- Alexis Soloski, “Review: Singing and Dancing the Postwar Blues in ‘Bandstand’,” New York Times (April 26, 2017)
- James C. Taylor, “Can 'Bandstand' swing on Broadway? Paper Mill's big hit tries to make the leap,” NJ Advance Media (April 23, 2017)
Websites
- Fathom Events, "Bandstand the Broadway Musical on Screen," Accessed via: https://www.fathomevents.com/events/bandstand-the-broadway-musical-encore
- Playbill, “Bandstand,” Accessed via: http://www.playbill.com/production/bandstand-2016-2017
- Playbill Playback: Bandstand, Accessed via: https://playbill.com/playbillplayback/bandstand
- Samuel French, “Bandstand,” Accessed via: https://www.samuelfrench.com/p/62745/bandstand
Written by Luisa Lyons (May, 2018, Updated May 2020; November 2022)