The Howard – Theater Reviews – “Bandstand” at Playhouse on Park

Reviewer:                         Howard Steven Frydman aka “The Howard”

Production:                       Bandstand  

Theater:                            Playhouse On Park

Book & Lyrics:                Robert Taylor and Richard Oberacker

Music:                              Richard Oberacker

Director:                           Sean Harris

Choreographed by:           Darlene “Mama D” Zoller

The Howard Says “Bandstand – A Big Brassy Musical Extravaganza!”

I say – “Bandstand be one Bobby-dazzler – I say I say I say – my visit this day is all the doing of A Bobby-Dazzler herself – the grand dame – “Mama D” aka POP Co-founder and artistic director, Darlene Zoller.  Whack-!! That is the sound of “The Howard” receiving a massive whack to the backside of his “ferkockta” head – from “Miss Z” – as she demurely and quite nicely invites me to see this effervescent and oh so 50’s MGM styled musical on its second to last day of production at POP. BTW – I richly deserved the whack – (ouch Bam-Bam- rubs back of head) Don’t mess with her friends- they don’t call her “Mama D” for nuthin’ ya know!! “Mea Culpa”- I do apologize for being so late to the game- but let me tell ya folks- Foxy Mama Zoller and Director Sean Harris have assembled an amazing cast of singers and dancers with a classic- MGM style musical that I almost missed. Here’s the rundown!

Folks believe you me – “Bandstand” does not disappoint and delivers on all fronts-from its live onstage band to the amazing array of singers and dancers – in fact, for such a large-scale production- I so wish the POP stage was just a tad larger so to include “more more more” of these amazing cast members as they say “dance and sing their hearts out” to a most appreciative audience. SO you ask-What is “Bandstand?” Think a cross between the big big and bigger technicolor MGM Musicals of the 50’s – all sparkle- lavishly produced, amazing choreography such as “Singing In The Rain”, “Summer Stock” or “ShowBoat” usually starring Fred Astaire, Judy Garland and Gene Kelly mixed in with a current “Let’s Get The Gang Together” films– think “Ocean’s Eleven”, “The Italian Job” “The Sting” and I’ll even throw in “Robin Hood” starring Errol Flynn into the mix- all intertwined within a  backdrop of  the “Boys are back from War.”

We sent our boys to fight for democracy- they came back as men –World War II is over, they have returned home and are struggling to fit back into their old lives. No jobs, and less opportunities. Meet singer, songwriter, Donny Novitski (Benjamin Nurthen)- this vet has come back home to Cleveland, Ohio, he has dreams- big dreams – some good, becoming a Big time Crooner – some bad – nightmares of fighting in the Philippines and losing his best pal in battle. Yet his dreams of musical stardom are within reach – NBC radio is running a music competition inviting bands to participate from every state. Faster than you can say “Beetle Baily meets The Odd Couple”- Donny gets his “Gang” together from an odd mixture of former vets as they reach for musical stardom. The comedic, fast moving “I know A Guy” – introduces us to the band and their unique idiosyncrasies, one is forgetful, another, a clean-freak while one other likes to get “shickered” – aka – enjoys a bit of the drink. A grand on-stage band indeed including –   Davy (Alan Mendez), Jimmy (Jack Theiling), Wayne (Chris Haley), Nick (John Elliott), and Johnny (Dan Jantson). A grand bandstand band needs a great singer – here comes Bandstand’s own “Doris Day” – meet Julie Trojan, (Katie Luke) – widow of Donny’s pal, she has a voice of an angel and with her along the “Donny Nova” Band is born and ready for stardom. America- here they come!

Good things happen in threes I have been often taught. One – I have said it before, and I will repeat myself here again -I must truly take note of the most excellent series of dance choreography I have witnessed in a long time. I have labeled them in the past as the “Z’s” – in honor of the women herself “Mama D” the lady with all the lavish moves-choreographer Darlene Zoller. To see her choreography is “sweet surrender” to the joy, love, and hard work that is movement on stage. The musical “Bandstand” is a true tribute to Miss Zoller and her love of visually inspirational dance – an absolutely stellar achievement. Two – A live on-stage band- WOWZERS – our fully packed audience this day, is moving and swaying with those numbers -oh-so reminiscence of Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller. Third – our cast- It’s a large cast- and I wish I can name them all – (hmm maybe I will)  Benjamin Nurthen is absolutely a “rising star” in his interpretation of war-shocked vet Danny Novitski- keep shooting for the stars sir! Now I happily present “The Howard Noticed You Awards”- aka “The HNY’s” to two cast members – firstly to as already stated- a singular singing sensation – Miss Katie Luke- ya stole the show whenever you came on stage – and you know it!! What a voice on this talented singer-good thing are happening for you – no more singing on cruise ships for you – my friend you are Broadway Bound. Lastly, another coveted HNY is presented to Mindy Cassle as June Adams – you sparkle on stage with your comedic on-stage jaunts – loved it- I just wish you had more to do in this production!

A good cast is worth repeating – so here ya go – our ensemble included: Tiara Greene, James Felton II, LeVane Harrington, Stephen C. Kallas, Juliana Lamia, Declan Smith, Julia Solecki, Jerry Hamilton, Emma Luxenburg and Alexis Yard.

All is right with the world- and I hopefully promise not to miss another POP production or gather the wrath of one- Mama D!! (The Howard rubs back of head once again!) BTW – Playhouse on Park’s 15th Main Stage Season Kicks Off with THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JANE AUSTEN (ABRIDGED). See you there friends!!

For more information or tickets, call the Box Office at 860-523-5900 x10 or visit http://www.playhouseonpark.org. Playhouse on Park offers discounts for group sales; inquire today! Playhouse on Park is located at 244 Park Road, West Hartford, CT 06119.

Howard Steven Frydman is General Manager and Executive Director of BATV – Channels 5, 95 & 96 and a member of the CCC. Please feel free to contact Mr. Frydman with your thoughts and ideas at TheHoward24@gmail.com.