Bandstand’s Untoward Heroics on Broadway

The new musical Bandstand at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theater opens with the sounds of war and a pivotal scene that recurs in the story of Donny Novitzki, a returning soldier who forms a band. Longing to return to life as it was, he is tasked to look in on the wife of a friend who did not make it back. Beset by nightmares and dreams alike, Donny (Corey Cott) looks for work in the Cleveland clubs he used to play. No surprises here. If you know the musical genre to which this play belongs, you know instantly that Donny will make it, especially with Julia (Laura Osnes), the Gold Star widow who happens to sing and write poetry, perfect for lyrics that can swing. But this play does have surprises galore: the talented band Donny forms: they sing, dance, act, joke, and man, they can play.

Bandstand’s music, book and lyrics by Rob Taylor and Richard Oberacker, is exceptional, with several numbers that will surely enter the American songbook: “Love Will Come and Find Me Again” and the anthem, an homage to returning military, “Welcome Home.” Other songs, “I Know a Guy,” “Nobody,” and “I Got a Theory” are jazzy and memorable. The onstage band featuring James Nathan Hopkins, Brandon J. Ellis, Alex Bender, Geoff Packard and Joe Carroll play their instruments—no faking here. A first-rate orchestra performs in the pit. Beth Leavel plays Julia’s nosy, endearing mom belting her own “Everything Happens.”

Under the direction and choreography of Andy Blankenbuehler, last year’s Tony winner for Hamilton’s distinctive dance, Bandstand’s ensemble leaps and lindies. Costume designer Paloma Young may bring back the trend for wife beaters. The opening night was especially warm with appreciative veterans in the audience, as well as Broadway royalty: Bernadette Peters and Tommy Tune. With Bandstand, it’s clear that Corey Cott and Laura Osnes are both headed for this pantheon.

Regina Weinreich

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