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Bandstand ~ National Theatre

Jordan Wright
March 2, 2020 

The Tony Award-winning Bandstand opens with the sounds of war and of soldiers in the heat of battle.  It isn’t the first of many flashbacks for Donny Novitski, a down-on-his-luck vet whose best friend, Michael, was killed by a grenade when they came under attack.  Donny promises to find Michael’s widow Julia and share stories of the men’s friendship.

Bandstand First National Tour – Photo by Jeremy Daniel

As a teen, Donny had been a singer and pianist.  Upon returning from battle, he goes looking for a gig but is turned down for being too old or too out of touch with the current music scene.  The story really begins to blossom when Donny learns of a nationwide Big Band contest, decides to start his own band, and convinces Julia to front the group.  Their struggles and Donny and Julia’s romance form the basis of this poignant story of the aftermath of World War II.

Shaunice Alexander in the Bandstand First National Tour – Photo by Jeremy Daniel

Donny’s band members experience PTSD, problems with drugs and alcohol, grief, and anger management issues.  How they conquer their disabilities and the ghosts of war to triumph against all odds, provides us with a story that is heartwarming, honest and hopeful.

This musical has all the song and dance elements of a big Broadway show.  Andy Blankenbuehler who choreographed Hamilton, keeps eleven dancers jitterbugging and swing dancing throughout.  And Donny’s band of sax, horn, drums, piano, bass, plus a five-piece orchestra create the Big Band sound of the 1940’s and bobby-soxer tunes of the early 50’s.  Tender ballads accompany some of the best-known songs from the show – “You Know Who Tells Me”, “Donny Novitski”, Julia’s mother June’s song, “Everything Happens”, “Welcome Home” and Julia and Donny’s snappy love song, “This Is Life”.  Twenty numbers keep the joint jumpin’ and the band cookin’.

Bandstand First National Tour – Photo by Jeremy Daniel

As the first stop in the show’s first National Tour, the cast of Bandstand has been focusing on presenting its story to all members of the armed forces and their families, which is quite nearly all of us.  To that end, the audience contained many invited vets including TAPS and Gold Star families.

Bandstand First National Tour – Photo by Jeremy Daniel

A song and dance bonanza!

Starring Zack Zaromatidis as Donny Novitski; Jennifer Elizabeth Smith as Julia Trojan; Roxy York as Mrs. June Adams; Rob Clove as Jimmy Campbell; Benjamin Powell as Davy Zlatic; Scott Bell as Nick Radel; Louis Jannuzzi III as Wayne Wright; Jonmichael Tarleton as Johnny Simpson; Shaunice Alexander as Jean Ann Ryan; Matthew Mucha as Andre; Taylor Okey as Oliver.

Music by Richard Oberacker; Book and Lyrics by Rob Taylor and Richard Oberacker; Original Direction by Andy Blankenbuehler; Tour Director Gina Rattan; Conducted by Miles Plant; Scenic Design by David Korins; Costume Design by Paloma Young; Lighting Design by Jeff Croiter; Original Broadway Sound Design by Nevin Steinberg.

Through Sunday, March 8th at The National Theatre 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC.  For tickets and information visit www.TheNational.com or call 1-800-514-3849.

Bandstand First National Tour – Photo by Jeremy Daniel

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