Bandstand: The Broadway Musical On Screen

Audience Reviews

View More

Paula R Apr 7 Cannot wait for 2nd See more 07/08/2018 This was a special Fathom two-night showing. Though no longer currently available, Bandstand will probably show up soon on Amazon Prime or something like that like Newsies did. This was a recording, not to be confused with a film adaptation, of the Broadway musical featuring the original cast. Bandstand is about a group of recently returned WWII veterans and a war widow forming a band and entering a nation-wide contest. This isn't a powerhouse like Wicked or Hamilton, but I wished it was more publicly known as it is pretty good. It contains well-written message about how the returning GIs were just generally expected to pick up their lives and forget the horrors of war without any support. The contest, though it doesn't sound that monumental, represents these men's emotional struggle for a little respect for what they went through. The musical isn't a downer if that's what you're wondering about. It mingles the dark underbelly with a clever, funny script. Now, I can see some people bothered that they'd treat a serious subject in a less old-fashioned, good-natured musical format. If you prefer a more direct and consistent dramatic tone like Les Miserables or Miss Saigon, this musical won't be for you. But, I personally liked that they delivered a point while not driving it home and just having fun. Good cast, good singers. It helps that the supporting members of the band, though not nearly having enough time as the two leads, had distinctive characters and issues. Bandstand has a pretty strong score, capturing that old 40's bandstand feel but still having all the songs feel unique. There are some really dramatic heart-tuggers here. Overall, a very effective experience. See more 06/28/2018 While the video footage left something to be desired, this was a fabulous musical. The choreo was worthy of a 2017 Tony and the music was great. What made this so heartwarming is that these GI's were returning from WWII and had experienced such atrocities that none of them were whole. This was a great tribute to those who returned from the war and a greeat insight into the difficulties awaiting them. The acting and singing was excellent. The fact that the play too place foor the most part in Cleveland back in the day when the Cuyahoga River was so poluted it caught fire reminds us of an earlier time and place. Too bad this did not have a long Broadway Run - it was certainly better the warmed over versions of old musicals best left forgotten. See more 06/26/2018 This is an absolutely wonderful film. The music is stunning with its swing groove, the acting is phenomenal with Corey Cott and Laura Osnes leading the cast, the choreography is beautiful and fun with its endless creativity, and the story is touching and heartbreaking yet hopeful with its un-sugar-coated look at veterans' lives. Do not miss this eye-opening show. See more Read all reviews

Bandstand: The Broadway Musical On Screen

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW