DoGood Theatre takes us back in time to the 1940’s with Bandstand. In a post World War II world, we find ourselves in Cleveland, Ohio. Donny Nvoitski (Luke Urry) has returned home from the war and he and all of America are ready to get back to life “Just Like it Was Before”. When he is unable to find a place where he fits in, he learns of a national competition to be in a movie and then record with NBC. Donny decides to form a band composed of former Vets like himself and enter the competition. With Donny on the keys, Jimmy (Logan Stats) on saxophone , Davy (James Hecht) on bass, Wayne (Russ Cundick) on trombone, Johnny (Dallin Jepson) on drums and Nick (Ian Pratt) on the trumpet, they have the perfect 1940’s boy band- literally. It isn’t until Donny meets Julia Trojan (Kiley Todd Drake), his best friend and former troop pal’s widow that Donny realizes just what his little group needs. And bonus–Julia can not only sing (and my heavens can she SING), she is also a brilliant poet, which gives Donny the perfect inspiration for a song. This band is surely on its way to winning this competition. As they go through the struggles of earning enough money to make it through the preliminaries, tackle the demons that followed them home from the war, and come to terms with what their new life will look like, this talented ground must make some big decisions, learn to forgive, and teach the world what it really means to be “Welcomed Home.”
When Bandstand opens, we are greeted with a simple but intentional set. Designed by Kayli Garrett and Nathan Sharp, we see an unadorned stage with a piano, drum set, and a mic. All is set in an old, rundown bar, its walls covered with ragged wallpaper and red brick peeping through. American flags hang, tall and proud. Throughout the show, every single set piece is met with practicality and helps us feel immersed in the scene.
The war might be over, but now is where we pick up the pieces. Urry takes us through the sharp pains of trying to navigate the tough changes from the innocent life he left behind to the reality of the now. On this journey, we see all sides of the human self. Urry’s talented vocals keep us hanging on to the edge of our seats and we very quickly are rooting for our new Hero. Urry’s performance throughout the entire show shows no dwindling. He is charismatic and heartfelt. He paints the most trying moments of his life with such emotion and power that we felt like we were right there with him, gasping for life. He takes us through the beauties of community and the unbreakable bond that happen when you decide to serve your country and gain the title of Veteran.
Upon recruiting his new friends to join the band, we get a look into not just their incredibly talented musical abilities (I mean c’mon- they’re playing their instruments live), but all the other new characteristics that come when you literally put your life on the line and serve. Urry and his band of brothers show us in detail their anger, addiction to alcohol, and the necessary humor to cope. It touches on the harshness of mental illness all tied up with survivors’ guilt. The themes this show brings are so hard to address in such an important and considerate way, but these guys do just that. With the help of Julie, we learn just how they will make it through their new brutally honest reality. We get uncomfortable with them and find strength to endure, too.
Drake plays the role of widow Julia Trojan absolutely flawlessly. Her ability to completely mesmerize Donny and the audience is something to see. She sings of the pain of the life she once had and then trying to figure out this new reality she is forced into. We cry with her as she begs to know more of what happened to her husband: how he died, what happened, how he was buried, who combed his hair one last time. Many of her pleas were left unanswered and she grieves mightily that she never got the chance to say goodbye. Drake truly is a stand out with her number “Welcome Home” as the band’s big song they perform on the broadcast. Her talent shows no limits and I wanted to see more and more of her.
Stats, Hecht, Cundick, Jepson, and Pratt are the new rat pack for me. These guys are so brilliantly cast that we have to give them their own standing O. Aside from their incredible talent as musicians, we were an eyewitness to the often horrifying emotions that come with the lives they left and lives they are now living. They balance one another well and it was great to see the chemistry build as they got to know each other better, flaws and all. We saw friendships form for life.
Props to Music Director Trevor Smith who blended these fellas’ harmonies perfectly. Move aside, Backstreet Boys. Each number in Bandstand is highly enjoyable and we loved every minute of the music in this musical.
The ensemble truly wows the audience throughout the entire show. They took us to the clubs, the reunions, the church. Marin Miller’s and Portier LeBlanc’s choreography is so intentional throughout every scene. This large ensemble does a beautiful job showing us how to Swing. The big gestures and movements are brilliantly executed and can they ever shake it.
The costumes by Jessie Stier are a true representation to the 1940’s, very true to the era. The wonderful hair and makeup also is fantastic–who doesn’t like victory rolls? The props from Tawnya Bearss, Nicole Miller, and Grace Miller are impressive. It’s not very often we see liquid on stage- but there was drink in their cups and bottles- I checked. Lighting Designer Caleb Wallengren nails it–highlighting this show and with Spot Operators Ryan Gillard and Ryker Miller they had the audience focused on the drama onstage. Their work enhance the many moods and moments in Bandstand. Audio Engineer Caleb Dillonbeck brings a crisp sound and even helped us shake in our seats with the war flashbacks.
Director Luke Garrett has created something special with Bandstand. He took a show that deals with some pretty big challenges, shedding light and understanding on the difficult topics, all while keeping it fun and family friendly. The attention to every detail is obvious. From the minute you enter the theater, you are immersed into that time period with honorary photos from veterans of those who came before us. The music that plays while you wait for the show to begin inspires patriotism in a sweet and important way. Garrett tells us that some sacrifices follow us forever, but if we can channel it into something good- we can make it beautiful. And yes, he adds the iconic kiss. Thank you, Sir!
DoGood Theater Company really does knock it out of the park with this all-American tale Bandstand. Grab your tickets quickly as this show only runs till August 24th. I promise this show is guaranteed to make everyone want to say they’re with the band.
DoGood Theater presents BANDSTAND The New American Musical. Original Music by Richard Oberacker, books and lyrics by Oberacker and Robert Taylor.
Liahona Theatre, 2464 W 450 S, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062
August 17-24th 2024 7:30 PM
$10-$25
Contact: info@dogoodtheater.org
From Do Good Theater’s Facebook Page:
You need to hear this today.
Ralph is a WWII veteran, one of only four living survivors of the U.S.S. Columbus. As a medic, he witnessed the horrors of war firsthand. We invited him to our WWII musical Bandstand. As I spoke with him before the show about his experiences, tears welled up in his eyes as he said, “It was hard to see those boys,” referring to the people he had to treat. “I try not to think about it.” Ralph is 97 and still carries the scars of war.
After the performance, his daughter rushed to me in tears and pulled me into a tight, desperate embrace. She thanked me for creating this experience for her father. The cast had the privilege of meeting Ralph, and he was treated like a true hero. We are so grateful he was able to attend.
The goal of DoGood Theatre is exactly that: to do good. This applies in two senses of the word, high-quality productions and, more importantly, wholesome, inspirational, and transformative experiences. I strive to create these for our audiences and cast, and this time, it reached me.
-Luke Garrett, Director
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