Broadway NewsBandstand Closes on Broadway September 17The musical, directed and choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler and featuring an original swing score, opened in April.
By
Ryan McPhee
September 17, 2017
The Broadway musical Bandstand takes its final bow September 17. After the final matinee, the swing musical will have played 24 previews and 166 regular performances at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre; it officially opened April 26.
The musical, led by Corey Cott and Tony nominee Laura Osnes, features a book and original swing score by Robert Taylor and Richard Oberacker. Andy Blankenbuehler directs and choreographs; he won a Tony Award earlier this year for the latter.
Cott stars as Donny Novitski, a young veteran who, upon returning to Ohio after World War II, forms a band with a group of fellow veterans and young widow Julia (Osnes) in the hopes of achieving fame and escaping the harsh realities of post-war life.
Though the musical ends its Broadway run after a few months, producers have already secured partnerships with Work Light Productions, The Road Company, and Samuel French. These deals will ensure a life for the show with future productions, including a national tour.
“It has been rewarding and humbling to have had the opportunity to bring a completely original and unique kind of musical to the stage,” producerTom Smedessaid in an earlier statement. “Guided by Andy Blankenbuehler’s vision, my producing partners Gabrielle Palitz, Terry Schnuck and Roger Horchow along with the Bandstand creatives and cast are proud to have a created a show that, in addition to being first class entertainment, has heart, a message and most importantly pays tribute to our veterans. Having opened during a historically crowded season we are gratified to have had an effect on so many lives. We look forward to being able to continue telling this important story with future productions across the country and elsewhere.”
In addition to Cott and Osnes, the cast includes Tony winner Beth Leavel, Joe Carroll, Brandon James Ellis, James Nathan Hopkins, Geoff Packard, and Joey Pero.
The Bandstand director-choreographer, along with his cast and co-creators, hit the red carpet LIVE on Playbill to reveal the secrets behind making the new musical soar.