The "Groundhog" Sees His Shadow for the Last Time

 As “Bandstand” is set to bow out on September 17^th, 2017, it shares this closing date with a show that was a hit in London. Based on the 1993 movie, “Groundhog Day the Musical” tells the story of conceited weatherman Phil Connors. Connors doesn’t like covering the Groundhog Day festivities in Punxsutawney, PA; he just wants to leave.  Unfortunately for him, he is compelled by some force to relive this same day over, and over and over again. In this time loop, he goes from enjoying being able to do whatever he wants without consequences (“Philandering”) to a depression and wanting the  day to end at all costs (“Hope”). Through this ordeal, he ends up becoming open to the possibilities life has to offer (“Philanthropy”), including a meaningful connection with Rita Hanson-the Associate Producer who helps him throughout this never-ending day.

I have seen this show 3 times and will be at the final performance September 17^th, 2017.  Andy Karl, Barrett Doss, and company really put on an entertaining performance. The comedic moments can come from new sources every night or afternoon as they devise ways to crack up their co-stars.  There are moments when the audience grows quiet and somber at Phil’s predicament, but the next scene is there to lighten the mood.  

At the stage door, they are just as friendly and grateful for the public that sees their show.   They greeted the fans with words like “friend”. Each was sure to thank everyone for coming out.  Led by Andy Karl, they were honest about how they felt the final show would be;   “emotional” and “crazy” were the terms used.

“Groundhog Day: The Musical will have had 176 performances when it closes tomorrow.   The night will-and has- come, but “there will be sun” the next day.

#GroundhogDayThe Musical #GroundhogDayBway

Here are some photos of the cast of  "Groundhog Day: The Musical":

Rebecca Faulkenberry (Nancy)

Andrew Call (Gus/Billy the Bartender)

Katy Geraghty (Debbie)

Gerard Canonico (Fred)

Travis Waldschmidt( Jeff)

Michael Fatica (Chubby Man)

Josh Lamon (Buster)

Tari Kelly(Piano Teacher/Mrs. Cleveland)

Vishal Vaidya (Larry)

Barrett Doss (Rita Hanson)

Sean Montgomery (Sheriff)

Raymond J. Lee (Ralph)

William Parry (Jenson)

Jenna Rubaii (Joelle/Doctor)

Andy Karl (Phil Connors)

Joseph Medeiros(Deputy/Mr. Cleveland)

“Bandstand” Goeth ; “The Iceman Cometh”

“Bandstand” is the second in a series of Broadway shows to close this September. The show stars Corey Cott and Laura Osnes as two characters who live in post-WWII Cleveland. It is set in backdrop of soldiers returning from the home front.  As they re-adjust, the young men do what they can to forget their experiences. Then the news of a national contest to find a swing band has one group of veterans and a soldier’s widow turning to performing music to find some peace.

I had the honor of seeing this show September 10^th, 2017. The dancing and music were worth the wait. As the story unfolds, the audience gets drawn into the story of the Donny Nova Band featuring Julia Trojan.  Through the highs and lows as the story unfolds, you see how each character is coping; and you learn that the “ghosts” (played by ensemble actors) that haunt their memories of the war. However, you leave the show knowing that the characters will be slowly getting back into their lives at home as they try hard to get back “the way it was before”. Corey Cott (Donny) and Laura Osnes (Julia) really lose themselves in their characters. This show that will have had over 160 performances at the time it concludes on September 17th, 2017. It is a high-energy show that features choreography that won Andy Blankenbuehler a well-deserved 2017 Tony Award. I salute this wonderful show for what it has done to honor the men and women of the armed forces.

#BandTogether #GotYour6

So, before “The Iceman Cometh” comes into the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre next year, here are a few photos of the “Bandstand” cast:

 Joey Pero (Nick Radel)

Corey Cott (Donny Novitski)

Laura Osnes (Julia Trojan)

Geoff Packard (Wayne Wright)

Max Clayton (Ensemble)

Brandon J. Ellis (Davy Zlatic)

“Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” To Close September 3rd, 2017: A Look Back

For less than a year, the Imperial Theater has been the home of the operetta “Natasha Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812”, a creation of Dave Malloy. This production grew a following through small theater runs and had finally made it to Broadway headlined by Josh Groban and Denee Benton.  Due to a low advance in ticket sales, this show will close on September 3^rd, 2017.It will have had 32 previews and over 340 performances at the time of its closing.

I saw this show twice during its run, and enjoyed the immersive theater experience.   This show will be missed.

#FollowTheComet

Here are photos of the show’s cast (and one of its orchestra members):

Dave Malloy (Pierre, Creator)-Photo: Stars In The Alley 2017 #DareToDream

Josh Groban (Pierre)-Photo: 2/7/2013 Barnes and Noble CD Signing  #DareToDream

Lulu Fall (Ensemble)-Photo: Broadway In Bryant Park 2017 #DareToDream

Joey Cassata (Drummer-Orchestra) -Photo: 7/28/2017- Rubix Cube's 10th Anniversary/David Z Tribute Show(w/ Paulie Z) #Joeylicious #Zo24ever