Set in the swing-fueled nightclubs of post-WWII America, this against-all-odds story of a singer/songwriter and his band of mismatched fellow vets comes to Broadway. Starring two-time Tony nominee Laura Osnes. More…
When a national contest to find America’s next music sensation offers a chance at fame and Hollywood fortune, Donny (Corey Cott) must whip his boys into fighting shape. Teaming up with a beautiful young war widow (Osnes) as their singer, and playing for every voiceless underdog in a world that has left them behind, they will risk everything to redefine the meaning of victory. Directed and choreographed by two-time Tony Award winner Andy Blankenbuehler ('Hamilton,' 'In the Heights'), and featuring an original, swing-inspired score, 'Bandstand' is an American celebration of the men and women whose personal bravery defined a nation.
See it if you love Osnes & Cott; they give great performances in a meh show. Plot is silly, characterizations inconsistent, dialogue is leaden...
Don't see it if and the staging is cramped by the set. The cast is almost entirely white (why?) Disappointing lyrics, unmemorable music.
Also Many professional critics found fault with this show. It wasn't painfu... Read more Read less
See it if you want to experience the charm of Osnes & Cott & to see some great 40s-inspired dancing in an otherwise forgettable, cliche-ridden musical
Don't see it if you want to hear a memorable score or see a coherent, original story. [The Greatest Generation deserves a much greater musical.]
See it if Valiant efforts by Osnes, Cott & an excellent ensemble provide ballast to bifocaled book Choreography energetic but uninspired
Don't see it if Blankenbuehler's directorial debut hindered by unfocused book & uninspired score. Vet's PTSD problems far more interesting than love story
See it if you're looking for a more traditional-feeling Broadway musical that still moves with a contemporary energy.
Don't see it if you roll your eyes when shows feel very earnest. There's nothing irreverent about it.
See it if Dancing, Sing, Story about coming home after war, and dealing with life. Love story too.
Don't see it if Part are very emotional and don't like musical
See it if you enjoy good dancing, singing and musicianship; music is pretty but not memorable.
Don't see it if you care that the music is often too loud for the voices; you want a well edited play which flows - this is choppy and under directed.
Also This good story should have been better developed and edited, which wo... Read more Read less
See it if you enjoy swing music and dancing -although there was not as much of either as I had anticipated; predictable plot and love story.
Don't see it if you like big production musicals with memorable songs. This one had decent music, a bit soppy a times, cheerful ending.
See it if you want amazing singing & dancing telling a story of returning vets.It is hard hitting.It is NOT a light, fluffy, pop music show.
Don't see it if you are looking at their marketing & think the show is just a 1940's musical.It deals with troops returning home and the scars they bring.
See it if to hear the mesh of live onstage band with broadway orchestra. Endless, seamless movement on the stage. there is a good play in here.
Don't see it if you want a cohesive story. you want to see real dance rather than scattered moments of flash.
Also I really wish they would have concentrated on one thing, be it the PTS... Read more Read less
See it if Wartime musical with good not (with a couple of exceptions) great music. Generally upbeat although serious moments especially in Act 2
Don't see it if Don't want to see wartime sacrifices - loss & PTSD; don't want actors performing their own instruments on stage; want deep characters
Also Loved it when the band was playing even though songs often not great. ... Read more Read less
See it if you enjoy these excellent performers and/or would enjoy a love letter to our troops in the form of a Broadway musical. It moves on occasion.
Don't see it if you want originality of story, diversity of cast, or will hate that this took the choreography Tony "Holiday Inn" rightfully deserved.
Also The leads have a heartfelt platonic connection for 3/4 of the show, th... Read more Read less
See it if you want to see the best choreography on Bway this season. A wonderfully put together show. Old themes that are new thanks to its creators.
Don't see it if musicals are not your thing though this one should not be missed.
See it if you seek a sentimental (without being frothy), heartwarming, gripping, and awe-inspiring new musical headed by talented performers.
Don't see it if you dislike dance-heavy shows, romances, moments of PTSD (World War II flashbacks and references), and/or the "swing" and "big band" era
Also Bandstand is a breathtakingly performed new musical that simultaneousl... Read more Read less
See it if A Broadway musical made for veterans of all ages. Sparkling and upbeat with good performances by the entire cast.
Don't see it if Do not see if you prefer serious dramas .
See it if you want to see fabulous dancing and singing with a good plot, set after WWII. Particularly relevant to those who have been in service.
Don't see it if You are not patriotic or you do not enjoy the musical genre of the 1940's.
Also Very upbeat. Does not drag for a second. Thoroughly entertaining from ... Read more Read less
See it if Unique slant on post WW 2 themed musical. Wonderful cast,led by Laura Osnes and Corey Cott, excel in singing,dancing and playing instruments
Don't see it if Old fashioned musical about post WW 2 era is not your cup of tea. Big dance numbers are major part of the show.
See it if you want to see a 1940's style swing musical about soldiers trying to readjust to life through forming a band & entering a national contest.
Don't see it if you don't like a dance heavy musical about romance blooming during the forming of a all soldier swing band and the widow of a soldier.
See it if you enjoy compelling stories that deal with finding yourself after coming back from war combined with great music and dancing
Don't see it if you are expecting a light, fun, swing-era musical. This show has a lot of depth and meat to it.
Also I loved this show. Corey Cott and Laura Osnes are powerhouses (Cott wa... Read more Read less
See it if Talent says it all ... great musicianship
Don't see it if Seeking ground breaking musical.
See it if Big band musical with terrific dancing, and acting in the aftermath of war. Loved that the performances are dedicated to our troops.
Don't see it if You do not like old fashioned musicals, swing bands or heavy subject matter. I enjoyed this more than I'd expected.
See it if you want to see your "typical Broadway show" but with a little more substance than something like 42nd Street.
Don't see it if you don't like swing in either music or dance (or both).
Also I was surprised to find this show had more depth than I expected. I th... Read more Read less
See it if You like jazz/big band music. You are interested in WWII/American history. You want a show go to with a veteran.
Don't see it if You dislike Jazz/Big Band music. Only like shows with lots of choreography. Do not wish to see a show that deals with PTSD. It gets heavy.
Also This show was a wonderful surprise. I was looking for a show to go to ... Read more Read less
See it if for a poignant portrait of WWII servicemen & widow bonding & healing through music they perform; a moving, relatable story & tribute to vets
Don't see it if you're painfully sensitive to stories of veterans' struggles acclimating to life post-service or you dislike swing or dance-laden musicals
Also I'm not much for swing music, but as an amateur musician, I was intrig... Read more Read less
See it if you are looking for a show that has fantastic choreography. The show tells a riveting story that has a amazing cast that never disappoints.
Don't see it if you do not like swing music. PTSD is a major theme of this show and should not be seen by those who are uncomfortable with the subject.
See it if You have no expectations, and want to walk out pleasantly surprised. We saw this on a whim, expecting nothing, and were really entertained.
Don't see it if You're looking for a great show. This was good, but it won't change you, or make you think past once you've left the theater. Entertaining!