Music by Richard Oberacker
Book and Lyrics by Robert Taylor and Richard Oberacker

The Western Stage at Hartnell College is presenting “Bandstand,” a powerful Broadway musical that honors military veterans and explores their journey home from war through music, friendship, and healing. In recognition of Veterans Day and to honor those who have served, we’re offering special ticket promotions throughout the run of the show:

Veterans & Military Service Personnel: 1 FREE ticket with code LVRVET
Friends & Family: $15 tickets with code VETFAM
Event Details:

What: “Bandstand” – A musical about WWII veterans finding healing through music
When: November 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 2025 (Saturdays at 7:30 PM, Sundays at 2:00 PM)
Where: The Mainstage Theater, Hartnell College, 411 Central Avenue, Salinas
Tickets: westernstage.com/tickets or (831) 755-6816

The Story:

Set in 1947, “Bandstand” follows Donny Novitski, a war veteran and talented musician who dreams of winning a national swing band competition with his fellow veterans. Haunted by the horrors of war and struggling to reintegrate into civilian life, Donny and his band members find that coming home is more challenging than they ever imagined. When singer Julia Trojan, a war widow seeking answers to her own painful questions, joins the group, their music becomes a path toward healing and hope. As they compete for fame and recognition, these survivors must confront their demons, support each other through invisible wounds, and discover that the greatest battles are sometimes the ones fought after the war ends. Through soaring melodies and heart-wrenching honesty, “Bandstand” is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the redemptive power of music