Can't make it to New York to catch a show? You can see the Broadway musical Bandstand, on the Big screen for a limited time. A filmed performance of Richard Oberacker and Robert Taylor's celebrated show arrives in cinemas nationwide on June 25 and 28. Bandstand took home the 2017 Tony Award for Andy Blankenbuehler's swing-filled choreography.
Bandstand follows Donny Novitski (played by Corey Cott), a singer/songwriter who leads his wise-cracking gang of jazzers to compete in a national radio contest for America’s next big swing band. With the young war widow Julia as their singer, the group struggles to confront the lingering effects of the battlefield as they strive for fame and fortune through their music. All of the members of the band on stage act and play their instruments, so this multi-talented cast is a must see.
The screening is the latest initiative of the producers to preserve the short-lived show, and spread its important message that the war might not be over for some soldiers who return home.
For Tom Smedes, the lead producer of Bandstand, its spotlight on the struggle of American military veterans hits close to home. Both of his parents had served in armed forces, and he worked for several summers at a Veteran Affairs hospital that his father administered.
Smedes recalled that his father "was always fighting for veterans’ rights in the hospital." "It’s something that means a lot to me personally, so I’m thrilled that we can produce this show, but also do it accurately,” he said.
The choreography, which earned Andy Blankenbuehler a Tony, is high-energy at times and strikingly beautiful and moving at others. While the story deals with important content regarding PTSD and loss, the musical itself is fun and entertaining.
Bandstand: The Broadway Musical on Screen
PG13 135 min.
From Andy Blankenbuehler, winner of the 2017 Tony Award® for Best Choreography for BANDSTAND and the 2016 Tony Award for Best Choreography for HAMILTON, comes the new musical that explodes with the most high-octane, heart-stopping and best dancing on stage today.
