Theater Thursday - Bandstand

What: Bandstand

Where: Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre
             242 W. 45th St.
             New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 13 and up

Me - Bandstand was a really great show. It was about a man named Donny Novitski who was a soldier. When he came home from the war, he wanted to find other veterans to form a swing band. This show has really good music. I like too many of the songs to mention them all. The songs are catchy and will stick in your head. The acting was good. My favorite characters were Donny and Julia. Julia is a woman whose husband died in the war. She joins the band as a singer. The show has an interesting story. It would be really good even without the songs but the songs make it even better. The dancing was cool! The show even won a Tony for Best Choreography. The band in the show really plays music. Even though they are actors in the show they play music too. The don't play all the music in the show only songs when the band is performing. They were very talented and played really well. The set was nice. The costumes were nice too. I liked the dresses that Julia wore. Over all, it was an amazing show, and I would highly recommend going to see it.

Mom - Bandstand is a rarity on Broadway, a completely original musical, and its a gem of a musical. It sheds light on a story that is rarely told. It is the story of what really happens to soldiers when they come back from the war. The show does such a wonderful job telling this story that it has actually been endorsed by the Got Your 6 veterans organization. The show is full of interesting intelligent characters. The cast led by Corey Cott and Laura Osnes is terrific. The Tony Award winning dancing is lively and energetic. Since the story is about a band, this is another show where cast members actually play their own instruments, and the music is great. The score is  a mix of fun and breezy swing tunes and some touching ballads. We would definitely recommend making sure you have a tissue or two  with you if you see this show because the finale, Welcome Home could definitely bring a tear to your eye.  We would not recommend the show for  young children due to the subject matter, but it is fine for older tweens and teens. You won't want to miss this truly touching show.

It was recently announced that Bandstand will be closing on September 17, 2017. Don't miss your chance to see this wonderful show! For more information or to purchase tickets to Bandstand visit bandstandbroadway.com. 

And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for Funtivty Friday

Photo credits: All Bandstand production photos by Jeremy Daniel