YMMV / Bandstand

• Award Snub: Twice
  • Many were shocked that Corey Cott wasn't nominated for a Tony Award for his work as Donny Novitski.
  • The show itself was passed over for a Tony nomination, which some suspect was a contributing factor in its closing.
• Critical Dissonance: The play has been a darling among social media users (mostly Twitter and Tumblr) for its choreography, acting, and sensitive portrayal of PTSD and similar mental health issues. Critics, while admitting the play was well-done, chide it for its soundtrack and the competition plotline overshadowing the veterans efforts to overcome their inner demons.
• Diagnosed by the Audience: Some of Wayne’s behavior resembles some of the symptoms of OCD. Donny and all of the guys show symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder but it’s never confirmed in the show.
• Ensemble Dark Horse: Mrs. Adams is one of the most beloved characters in the play for her witticisms, bigheartedness, and surprising depth.
• Genius Bonus: There are several musician jokes that might fly over the heads of general audiences. One example is when Donny is changing the key on a song and Johnny (the drummer) says "Hold on, I gotta transpose this." (Drums are just in one key so he doesn't need to change anything.)
• Ho Yay: Nick complains about Wayne handling his laundry like they were married.
• Tear Jerker: Inevitable given the subject matter.
  • The prologue shows Michael's final moments before death.
  • Wayne telling Nick that his wife kicked him out. Made worse by the fact that the only time they interact, it's clear their relationship is on the rocks.
  • Everyone's reaction when the NBC producers tells them the band has to finance their own trip.
  • Donny recounting Michael's death to Julia.
  • Donny telling everyone at the bar that he feels like the wrong man made it home.
  • The final performance of "Welcome Home," where Julia gives graphic descriptions of what the guys have endured during and after the war.

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