Broadway’s Big Swing Problem

OnStage: This past week I had the pleasure of staying in New York City for a dance intensive. Though I spent a good seven to eight hours a day dancing, I made sure to cram in as many shows as I could manage (and afford). One of those shows was Bandstand. I’d been following Bandstand since it was at Paper Mill Playhouse and was excited to see what promised to be an original, fresh show hit Broadway. I didn’t love some things (the book felt forced and awkward) and loved others (like seeing the actors playing members of the band— all incredible musicians— playing together on stage), but the main thing that disappointed me was— wait for it— the swing dancing.