Advertisement

‘Bandstand’ Joins Broadway’s Crowded New Musical Slate

Bandstand,” the musical that premiered at the Paper Mill Playhouse last year, has joined the throng of new musicals crowding in to the 2016-17 Broadway season, lining up an April opening at a Shubert theater still to be determined.

Formerly called “The Bandstand” before creators dropped the article, “Bandstand” follows a musician in 1945 who pulls together a ragtag band of WWII vets to participate in a swing-band competition. Laura Osnes (“Cinderella”) and Corey Cott (“Gigi”) star in the production, directed and choreographed by Tony-winning “Hamilton” choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler.

With “Bandstand” added to the mix, the 2016-17 Broadway season is filling up quickly, particularly with new musicals. Already on the docket are the now-open “Paramour” and “Holiday Inn” as well as the upcoming “Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812,” “A Bronx Tale,” “Dear Evan Hansen,” “In Transit,” “Come From Away,” “War Paint,” “Groundhog Day,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” and “Anastasia.”

Producers of “Bandstand,” which has music by Richard Oberacker and book and lyrics by Robert Taylor and Oberacker, announced their Broadway intentions before the end of the show’s premiere staging (pictured above) at the Paper Mill. The show joins another Paper Mill alum, “A Bronx Tale,” on the Broadway slate this season.

Tom Smedes, Gabrielle Palitz, Terry Schnuck, Tom Kirdahy, and Roger Horchow will produce the Broadway production, which will open April 26. Further details are still to be set.

Related stories

Review: Broadway Smash 'Hamilton' Opens in Chicago

Christopher Jackson Talks 'Bull,' 'Hamilton' and What's Next

Disney Offers Profit-Sharing Deal to 'Frozen' Stage Actors

Get more from Variety and Variety411: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Newsletter