Ansley White
Pasek & Paul are teaming up with Atlantic Records for a grand slam: the debut of the Savannah Bananas’ first original single, “Show Starts Now.”
Announced today, July 15, this creative partnership flourishes through Ampersand, the multimedia powerhouse established by the EGOT-winning songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the duo behind the cinematic sensations The Greatest Showman and La La Land.
The track features vocals from Derek Klena—a celebrated Broadway talent and current entertainment standout for the Savannah Bananas. The song is set to hit all major streaming platforms at midnight.
Co-penned by the Pasek & Paul team alongside hitmakers Cal Shapiro, Ashley Gorley, and Ben Johnson, “Show Starts Now” was unveiled earlier this summer during a surprise live performance at the team’s home base, Historic Grayson Stadium in Savannah, Georgia.
“We have long been admirers of the Savannah Bananas and Derek Klena,” the songwriters shared in a statement. “Crafting the inaugural anthem for Banana Ball alongside such a talented group of collaborators felt like a natural fit. We are genuinely impressed by the empire Jesse has built over the last decade, and contributing to this project has been a highlight.”
The Savannah Bananas are scheduled to perform the anthem live during the opening of the 2026 ESPY Awards. The ceremony will broadcast from the David H. Koch Theater in New York City on July 15 at 8:00 p.m. ET via ABC and the ESPN streaming ecosystem.
“Collaborating with Pasek & Paul on our very first anthem is a tremendous honor,” said Jesse Cole, founder of the Savannah Bananas. “I’ve been a massive fan of their work since The Greatest Showman soundtrack. Bringing ‘Show Starts Now’ to the ESPYS stage is a defining, full-circle milestone for our organization.”
The Banana Ball Championship League (BBCL) continues to revolutionize the sport with its fast-paced, high-energy format, which includes two-hour game caps and the iconic rule that a fan catching a foul ball results in an out.
“I’ve worked with Pasek & Paul for over a decade,” added Klena. “Their ability to tap into the essence of a project and produce incredibly catchy melodies is unparalleled. They are truly a dream team.”
Listen to the track: Presave “Show Starts Now” here.
