so yesterday i went and saw the bandstand movie... i thought i'd give you guys a review in case you were on the fence about seeing it :) you can also check out my instagram abridged review on instagram @helplesshamiltons
you will not regret going to see it. sure, tickets are more expensive than the average movie but it is so worth it.
here is the spoiler free section:
#1: the main cast is phenomenal. laura osnes and corey cott are specifically stunning in their respective roles, with heartfelt performances from both (complete with shaking and tears, it's so sad guys). also, the other guys in the donny nova band ROCK at playing their instruments, but not only that, they are fantastic actors too. all of their characters are so dynamic.
#2: the ensemble. oh my god, their dancing is incredible. also the singing, but mostly the dancing is quite mindblowing. unsurprisingly so, since andy blankenbhueler choreographed the show. every move helps tell the story even better. the ensemble is also wonderful at developing characters that are only seen for a brief seconds (favorites include all the club owners plus jean ann ryan and her cohorts)
#3: the pit and the donny nova band. their musicality is also staggeringly fantastic. i knew they were going to be good but WOW the music is the centerpiece of this show. every song (even if it wasn't my favorite) was played wonderfully and flawlessly (from what i could tell). the trumpets have a soft spot in my heart (since i'm a trumpet player) and they were majestic. congrats to the pit in particular for a dramatic, dynamic performance, since i know their recognition is limited to a hand gesture :)
#4: the story is one of the real stars. i didn't know how i would feel about the military setting, especially in this age where the government/etc is so disputed, and with my family's personal views on conflict. but man, the cast really sold their performances and characters. i rooted for every single one of them. it was emotional, it was revealing, and it honestly shed a lot of light for a lot of people in the theatre. i am so impressed by the depth of storytelling that this cast reached in this show! props to the book + lyricists for credit where it's due- the story was really the heart and soul of the production, and it was honestly one of my favorite parts even though i knew what was going to happen.
#5: also, the humor is really funny. beth leavel in particular shines as comedic relief but also a loving mother. she's super funny. there were laughs in the theatre when she was onstage! so even though it's sad, it's fun too. you'll have a good time.
honestly i am SHOCKED and quite offended that bandstand was taken off broadway. this story and show are so amazing, beautiful, and heartfelt. it deserves so much more credit for EVERY SINGLE THING about it. there were no weak links.
the movie definitely made bandstand move up in my top musical lists. seeing it on the screen really changed how i thought about this show, the music, and the story. it truly is a rare treasure.
if you're on the fence about it, please don't wait. buy tickets NOW and enjoy a wonderful performance.
FEATURING:
1. "the girl in shorts"-my mom. jaime verazin for her amazing dance lifts. she was definitely a stand-out ensemble performer in every way!
2. the deviled eggs, they're so funny :)
3. the costumes. there are some great outfits, moments, and quick-changes that you'll want to look out for. laura osnes just can't get away from those fancy dress changes guys
4. also featuring chest hair (can be distracting either way)
5. the jokes from davey
6. lots of alcohol (carleigh can't get away from those champagne flutes either, gotta have those hamilton party flashbacks guys)
AND THERE YOU GO! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR PLEASE DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE! THURSDAY @ 7:00! LOOK IT UP!
~darkdisrepair/ anna :)
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