Bandstand
Two hours and 30 minutes, with one intermission
Bandstand - 2017 Broadway History , Info & More
Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre (Broadway)
242 West 45th St. New York, NY
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 - 2017 - Broadway Cast
PREVIEW Bandstand - 2017 - Broadway
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Videos
FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Bandstand
Cott, Osnes Go Back to the 1940s in Nostalgic 'Bandstand'
8 / 10
Cott, who segued from college to Broadway when he took over the lead in 'Newsies' a few years ago, learned to play piano for this role. His character is both persuasive, in getting other soldiers to join him, and patient -- there isn't an obvious path to the romance with Julia that we imagine might be coming. Osnes, who starred in 'Cinderella,' brings considerable stage presence to her role as young Gold Star widow Julia, who will become the band's lead singer and writer. Two powerful solos -- the other is 'Love Will Come and Find Me Again,' which the band uses to audition for NBC -- showcase her crystalline voice. Beth Leavel ('The Drowsy Chaperone') is Julia's mother, who has some great comic moments merely serving up deviled eggs to Don; she's also on hand to reinforce to Julia another of the show's themes: Sometimes, 's-it happens,' as she puts it. I wish Blankenbuehler had left a beat for the audience to applaud after her one solo, in the second act.
Review: Bandstand
8 / 10
Wonderful story and performances notwithstanding, much of 'Bandstand's' dazzle finds root in Andy Blankenbuehler's direction and choreography. The Tony-winning choreographer of 'Hamilton' takes on double duty here, allowing the dancing and progression of the show to work in seamless tandem. Simple changes in David Korins's nimble set and Paloma Young's inventive costumes signal important scene changes, while the company fills the stage with high-voltage dance backed by the live band's energy. The spectacle is busy, yet precise, and a whole lot of fun to watch.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
| 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