BANDSTAND brings the swing-fueled, against-all-odds story of singer/songwriter Donny Novitski and his band of mismatched fellow vets brilliantly to the stage.
When a national contest to find America’s next music sensation offers a chance at fame and Hollywood fortune, Donny must whip his boys into fighting shape. Teaming up with a beautiful young war widow as their singer, and playing for every voiceless underdog in a world that has left them behind, they will risk everything to redefine the meaning of victory and sing truth to power.
Directed and choreographed by two-time Tony Award® winner Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton, In the Heights), starring two-time Tony nominee Laura Osnes (Cinderella, Bonnie and Clyde), Broadway sensation Corey Cott (Newsies), and Tony winner Beth Leavel (The Drowsy Chaperone), and featuring an explosive original score, BANDSTAND is a truly American celebration of the men and women whose personal bravery defined a nation.
Got Your 6 launched the 6 Certified initiative in early 2015 as a way to challenge industry executives and content creators to craft more thoughtful narratives around veterans and military families. Through this initiative, Got Your 6 highlights projects that portray veterans accurately and responsibly.
Got Your 6 and Bandstand are proud to call themselves partners on a shared mission: To highlight the experiences, talents, and heart of America’s veterans through compelling and truthful portrayals in the performing arts.
JOE CARROLL (Johnny Simpson, Drums)JOE CARROLL originated the role of Johnny Simpson at The Paper Mill Playhouse. Broadway: Cinderella opposite Carly Rae Jepsen and Keke Palmer (Prince Topher), Romeo and Juliet with Orlando Bloom and Condola Rashad (Balthazar, Romeo u/s), Once (Tony Award Best Musical). Selected Regional: Million Dollar Quartet, Avenue Q, The Full Monty. NYC Readings include Bandstand, August Rush, An Incident at Vichy, Michael John LaChuisa and Graciela Daniele’s The Nine Fathers of Ariel, Fly By Night. Film: Romeo and Juliet: Live on Broadway. Television: “The Carrie Diaries,” “All My Children.” Training: The University of Michigan and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Joe also plays lead guitar in Common Jack, a folk-rock band based in New York City.
BRANDON JAMES ELLIS (Davy Zlatic, Bass)Broadway: Company, Once. West End: Once (Bank Manager). Off-Broadway: Missed Connections, Of Mice and Men, Balls…The Musical?, Song Moments: Daniel Maté In Concert. Regional: Casa Manana, Buck’s County Playhouse, The Paper Mill Playhouse, Virginia Stage, Cleveland Playhouse, Barrington stage, and others. Television/Film: “30 Rock;” “Vinyl;” “Shake, Rattle, and Roll” (CBS); “The Naked Brothers Band;” The Onion, The Callback, She Wolf Rising. BFA in Acting from UNCG.
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