Bandstand is a completely original musical, existing within a genre of its own. It is the story of war veterans returning home in the aftermath of World War II only to discover that their lives are now meaningless. One such returned soldier, Donny Novitski (played by Cott Corey) decides to take up his old profession, that of a singer-songwriter. He gets together a band along with his best friend’s widow as the lead singer, and enters a cable music competition.

The musical is a visual euphoria, with engaging choreography by Tony award-winning Hamilton choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler. Cinderella’s Laura Osnes and Cott Corey share an undeniable chemistry which brings the catchy dance numbers to life. This play is guaranteed to lift your spirits up. Purchase Bandstand the Musical tickets now for an enjoyable time.

The Company Bandstand

The Musical has been penned by Robert Taylor and Richard Oberacker, the latter of whom has composed its book as well. Directed and choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler, the play features six lead characters all of whom are relatively new but appreciated by the critics. Audiences may recognize Laura Osnes as the lead in Broadway’s Cinderella while Cott Corey charms audiences the minute he comes on-stage with his floppy hair and ear-to-ear grin.

The company of Bandstand has become iconized for its consistent and elaborate dance numbers. The intricate, rhythmic quickstep Blankenbuehler has displayed in this performance is what audiences remember the most from this play. The musical is, then, a fast-moving, ever-evolving spectacle that one inadvertently hooks their eyes to at all times.

Dance on, Soldiers!

Dance becomes a good replacement to marching for these recently-returned soldiers.  Swing-dancing in particular, with its rhythmic tapping and animated, precise movements gives the play an interesting body language. The arresting choreography crafted by Blankenbuehler makes sure that the show never stops moving. In keeping with the post-World War II setting, the show is constantly in dance-mode. When the dancing does stop, the motion is still kept going with a rehearsed step here or there.

Bandstand in the Aftermath of WWII

The stage design is that of a 1940’s Chicago nightclub, with a Swing band playing, people swaying, and cigarette smoke settling around everyone’s heads. The Second World War has just ended and an entire populace is ecstatic, at the same time at a loss of purpose. This dichotomy is beautifully presented in the dream-state that every band member goes into— mid-performance— while reminiscing the horrors of the War. The costumes too are reflective of a vintage inspiration for Tony Award-winning costume designer, Paloma Young.

The costumes depicted are in keeping with the Post-World War state of affairs— the fact that money was still scarce however society was bustling with color and mirth, two elements depicted in abundance in the characters’ attire. Bandstand’s is a universe in which contradictions exist alongside one another, in keeping with the turmoil these characters exist in the aftermath of.

Bandstand and the Post-War Catharsis

In keeping with its relatively new story and cast, Bandstand is an indecisive musical— applause tends to turn into fist-clenching in a matter of minutes as the characters go from producing upbeat swing music to flashbacks from their service in the Second World War. It has resonances of the Diaspora faced by the post-war generation that individuals such as Ernest Hemingway have documented well. However, unlike Hemingway, it supports a more optimistic lining, that life has the ability to get better.

What you can expect from this

For starters, you can expect a lot of swing-dancing. Not a few minutes go by where some dance-step or the other is not introduced. This allows for an elaborate production to be performed, with a multiple number of dancers on stage at a time. Also, swing music is playing in real time, with the “Band Members” playing trombones, pianos and the likes on-stage while playing their characters. This is no easy task, particularly when considering that they are timing their music with an orchestra under the stage which they cannot see.

This becomes a truly compelling sight. The characters have all suffered unimaginable losses, nevertheless are trying their level best to find their own selves in this altered world. The musical presents an excellent experience which you cannot forget anytime soon. It is time to purchase Bandstand the Musical tickets for an enjoyable evening.