THE HANGOVER REPORT – Paper Mill’s THE BANDSTAND, directed and choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler, exhilarates

IMG_4595One of the most exhilarating, fulfilling new musicals I’ve seen in recent months – besides that juggernaut known as Hamilton – is nowhere to be found in New York. That’s because its playing in New Jersey’s venerated Paper Mill Playhouse, and it’s called The Bandstand, written by the relatively unknown team of Richard Oberacker and Robert Taylor. However, there is on important association with Hamilton. The Bandstand is thrillingly directed and choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler, who also choreographed “that” musical, with a seamlessness and muscularity reminiscent of Michael Bennett. That’s high praise. The story’s rather simple – battle-scarred Cleveland-based World War II vets, who also happen to be musicians, are assembled by the willful pianist and songwriter Donny (Corey Cott) to compete in a nation-wide radio competition. With the aid of Julia’s (Laura Osnes) lyrics and vocals, they vie for the win.

Corey Cott is magnificent in the central role of Donny. In recent years, Mr. Cott has quickly established himself as a magnetic and charismatic leading man, in the mold of Jeremy Jordan (indeed, he replaced Mr. Jordan in Newsies) and Matthew Morrison. His work in The Bandstand is a significant step forward. His Donny comes from a place of authenticity and truth, without any of the cloying trappings of your typical musical theater performance. Ms. Osnes, as Julia, is as lovely as ever for much of the show. However, in the musical’s climactic number, she tears through the song with a rawness and urgency I rarely associate with her, and it’s truly impressive to behold – Cinderella, this certainly ain’t. The rest of the cast is top-notch, particularly Tony-winning Beth Leavel’s moving, down-to-earth performance as Julia’s mother.

For The Bandstand, Richard Oberacker and Robert Taylor have written a strong, swinging score that’s beautifully played, especially by the actors onstage. I commend their book, as well, for its ability to create high stakes that feel real. However, at the end of the day, this is Mr. Blankenbuehler’s triumph. His kinetic yet grounded work, performed on David Korins’ appropriately drab yet effective set, gives the musical a drive that accumulates momentum until emotions – anger, fear, pain – explode at the close of each act. A few kinks still need to be worked out (e.g., a few songs need to be re-examined, the closing moments don’t quite work), but what we have here very clearly deserves a bright future.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

 

THE BANDSTAND
Regional, Musical
Paper Mill Playhouse
2 hours, 25 minutes (with one intermission)
Through November 8

 

Categories: Broadway, Off-Broadway, Theater

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