This post is sponsored by Paper Mill Playhouse.
By Katelyn Di Salvo
Looks like Broadway has some competition on it’s hands with Paper Mill Playhouse’s latest never-before-seen musical show,The Bandstand. This play makes for a perfect weekend date idea with your loved one.
Paper Mill Playhouse is a not-for-profit organization that has been entertaining audiences with their live theatre performances since 1938! Now, the regional theater group is launching it’s exciting 2015-2016 season with, The Bandstand. A sizzling new big-band swing musical that features live band music, explosive choreography and a beautifully crafted narrative.
Weekend Date Idea: Check Out the Musical Show That’s Giving Broadway a Run For It’s Money
The Bandstand tells the story of a mismatched band of military veterans, joined together by the driven and inspired character of Donny Novitski, played by the very talented actor and singer Corey Cott. The band competes in a national radio contest in New York City, where the winners will receive instant stardom! While on their journey to fame, the group struggles with complicated relationships, the demands of the competition and the challenging after-effects of the war. This makes winning the contest seem like nothing more than a fantasy.The plot thickens as a love story develops between Donny and Julia (played by Tony Award nominee Laura Osnes).
Cott and Osnes have been friends for a few years and have incredible chemistry on stage. Cott describes working with Osnes as “a dream come true.”
What makes this play so incredibly unique compared to other Broadway shows is that a portion of the music is integrated into the story and played live on stage. There are 12 pieces in the orchestra pit and six pieces on stage. This can be extremely difficult to manage, but works so well in The Bandstand.
The play is directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner, Andy Blankenbuehler, who describes the live music on stage as, “a very big sound, a sound that will get people out of their seats and dancing.” The play also features a book and lyrics by Richard Oberacker and Robert Taylor and stars Tony Award winner Beth Leavel. The musical numbers are charged with emotion and leave you hanging onto every note. Cott and Osnes pour their souls into every number and really dedicate themselves to their character.
Aside from The Bandstand, Paper Mill Playhouse has a line up of great shows including, A Christmas Story, The Bronx Tale, Pump Boys and Dinettes and Westside Story! Located in Millburn, New Jersey it’s like having Broadway in your backyard!
So will the band make it to stardom? Or will the tension within the group destroy their chances? Find out for yourself by taking a quick trip to Millburn, N.J., and visiting the Paper Mill Playhouse on October 8th through November 8th. The Bandstand will be performed eight times a week, Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets are on sale now, so buy two tickets one for you and one for your significant other and have a romantic ‘dinner and a show’ date night! Visit www.papermill.org to get yours today!
Disclaimer: The Bandstand contains strong language and adult themes. Recommended for ages 13 and up.
GIVEAWAY ALERT: One lucky reader will get the chance to win two tickets to see The Bandstand at the Paper Mill Playhouse located in Millburn, N.J. To enter our giveaway, email cupid@cupidspulse.com with your full name, address, email, and daytime phone number. The contest ends next Friday, October 9th at noon EST. Good luck!
