Bandstand announces theatre and first preview date

The producers of Bandstand have revealed that the new musical will begin previews at Broadway's Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on 31 March 2017. As previously announced, an official opening is scheduled for 26 April 2017.

Directed and choreographed by Tony winner Andy Blankenbuehler, two-time Tony nominee Laura Osnes and Corey Cott will be reprising their performances as Julia Trojan and Donny Novitski, respectively, from the Papermill Playhouse's premiere production.

Mr Blankenbuehler previously released the following statement:

"I was thrilled to have the chance to premiere Bandstand out at The Paper Mill Playhouse, where I've had so many great mile markers in my career. Our time there was so important for the development of this very exciting and brand new musical. We were thrilled with the reception we received, but we were even more excited to roll up our sleeves and continue working on the show. After months of digging deeper with the material, the entire Bandstand team is ready to put the show up on the Broadway boards. As a director, I'm so lucky to be involved with a show that is so rich in emotion and heart. As a choreographer, I'm over the moon to be dancing to a score that sizzles like nothing else on Broadway."

Set in 1945, Bandstand tells the story of musician Donny Novitski who is about to take on the mission of his life: leading his band of fellow veterans into competition for America's next swing band sensation. However, complicated relationships, the demands of the competition and the challenging after-effects of war may break these musicians. The original score is strongly influenced by authentic 1940s swing music, much of which is played onstage by the characters and band members. When Donny meets a beautiful, young singer named Julia, he finds the perfect harmony in words and music that could take this band of brothers all the way to the live radio broadcast finale in New York City. But to succeed, it will require every ounce of talent, stamina and raw nerve that these musicians possess.

Bandstand is produced on Broadway by Tom Smedes, Gabrielle Palitz, Terry Schnuck, Tom Kirdahy and Roger Horchow.

Additional casting and creative team information will be announced at a later date.

Laura Osnes earned Tony nominations for her performances in 'Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella' (2013) and 'Bonnie and Clyde' (2012). Other Broadway credits include 'Anything Goes,' 'South Pacific' and 'Grease.' She also starred off-Broadway in Atlantic Theater Company's 'The Threepenny Opera.'

Corey Cott made his Broadway debut as Jack Kelly in Disney's 'Newsies' and starred as Gaston Lachaille in 'Gigi.'

- by Tom Millward