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
FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Bandstand
‘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.
‘Bandstand’ review
7 / 10
The boys singing and swinging their hearts out in 'Bandstand,' an exuberant new musical set in the days just after World War II, are chasing an uncertain future and running from their traumatic pasts. Veterans all, with the battered psyches to prove it, they pound the piano keys, bang away at the drums and blow into their horns in the hopes of burning off the steam building in their emotional pipes. This being a musical, of course, they mostly succeed. 'Bandstand,' with a frisky boogie-woogie-laced score by Richard Oberacker, and book and lyrics by Rob Taylor and Oberacker, is the last new musical to open in a season almost overstuffed with them. The total comes to a baker's dozen, an encouraging indication that the hunger for fresh voices on Broadway, fed in recent years on the success of groundbreaking shows like 'Fun Home' and (duh) 'Hamilton,' has led to a healthy spirit of risk-taking on the part of producers.
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 |
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