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

'Bandstand': Theater Review
6 / 10

From its title and marketing campaign, you'd think the new musical Bandstand would simply be an exuberant paean to the joys of big band swing. But there's a gloominess hanging over this thematically ambitious show, written by Broadway newcomers Richard Oberacker and Rob Taylor. And why shouldn't there be, since its troubled main characters include six World War II veterans and the widow of a man killed in combat. Uneasily attempting to be simultaneously a feel-good, swinging musical and a serious depiction of post-traumatic stress, Bandstand is at war with itself.

‘Bandstand’ review: A superb new Broadway musical from ‘Hamilton’ choreographer
10 / 10

It would have been easy to simply plug in 1940s pop standards. But instead Richard Oberacker and Robert Taylor created a swinging original score that not only captures the period style but also digs deep into the characters. The music is so tightly integrated into the script that 'Bandstand' becomes unusually powerful musical theater. Its reinterpretation of the traditional 11 o'clock number is both smart and electrifying. Andy Blankenbuehler, who rose to prominence as the choreographer of 'In the Heights' and then 'Hamilton,' does a stunning job as both director and choreographer.

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 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Bandstand have there been?
Bandstand has had 2 productions including Milburn, NJ (Regional) which opened in 2015 and Broadway which opened in 2017.
What Tony Awards has Bandstand been nominated for?
Bandstand has been nominated for Best Choreography for Andy Blankenbuehler and Best Orchestrations for Bill Elliott.
What Tony Awards has Bandstand won?
Bandstand has won the Tony Awards for Best Choreography for Andy Blankenbuehler, Best Orchestrations for Bill Elliott, and was nominated for Best Musical.
What awards has Bandstand been nominated for?
Bandstand has been nominated for several awards including Outstanding Book of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Richard Oberacker, Outstanding Choreography for Andy Blankenbuehler, Outstanding Costume Design for a Musical for Paloma Young, Outstanding Lighting Design for a Musical for Jeff Croiter, Outstanding Music for Richard Oberacker, Outstanding Orchestrations for Bill Elliott, Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards for Laura Osnes, Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Musical at the Drama League Awards for Bandstand, Outstanding Choreographer at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Andy Blankenbuehler, Outstanding Orchestrations at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Bill Elliott, and Outstanding Sound Design (Play or Musical) at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Nevin Steinberg.
What awards has Bandstand won?
Bandstand has won several awards, including: - Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Richard Oberacker - Outstanding Choreography (Drama Desk Awards) for Andy Blankenbuehler - Outstanding Costume Design for a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Paloma Young - Outstanding Lighting Design for a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Jeff Croiter - Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Richard Oberacker - Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for Bill Elliott - Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Laura Osnes - Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Musical (Drama League Awards) for Bandstand - Outstanding Choreographer (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Andy Blankenbuehler - Outstanding Orchestrations (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Bill Elliott - Outstanding Sound Design (Play or Musical) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Nevin Steinberg.

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