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Stereophonic (play)

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Stereophonic
230px
Broadway promotional poster
Written byDavid Adjmi
Music byWill Butler
Lyrics byWill Butler
Date premieredOctober 29, 2023
Place premieredPlaywrights Horizons,
New York City
Original languageEnglish
GenreDrama
SettingSausalito, California,
1976

Stereophonic is a dramatic stage play with music, written by American playwright David Adjmi. Music written for the play was composed by Will Butler from the indie rock band Arcade Fire.[1] The play follows a fictional rock band on the cusp of superstardom as they struggle through recording their new album set from 1976 to 1977.[2] The production debuted at Playwrights Horizons off-Broadway in 2023 before transferring to Broadway at the John Golden Theatre in 2024.

The production received critical acclaim, with critics comparing the material to the real life band Fleetwood Mac and its 1977 album Rumours.[3][4]

The production made history as the play holding the record for the most Tony Award nominations; it received 13 nominations, breaking the record previously held by the Jeremy O. Harris play Slave Play (2020), which received 12 Tony Award nominations.[5] At the 77th Tony Awards, the play won five awards: Best Play, Best Direction of a Play, Best Featured Actor in a Play (for Will Brill; Eli Gelb and Tom Pecinka also received nominations for the award), Best Sound Design of a Play, and Best Scenic Design of a Play. Juliana Canfield and Sarah Pidgeon both received nominations for Best Featured Actress in a Play.

Stereophonic also received the Drama Desk Award, the Drama League Award, the Outer Critics Circle Award, and the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Play of the 2023/2024 season.

Synopsis

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In 1976, a famous British-American rock band composed of drummer Simon, married couple bassist Reg and keyboardist/vocalist Holly, and longtime partners guitarist/vocalist Peter and vocalist/tambourinist Diana are in the early stages of recording their next album in a recording studio in Sausalito, California. They are assisted by two sound engineers, Grover and Charlie. Despite the significant studio support, the members' individual conflicts coupled with mounting tensions among the group causes the recording process to take over a year.

Background

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Adjmi and Butler began working on the piece in 2014, with the project being workshopped in 2018 at the Sundance Institute Theatre Lab.[6] Adjmi wanted to create a piece of theatre that felt like the audience was watching a documentary unfolding on stage, while avoiding the piece becoming a full-blown musical. The set design includes real music recording equipment.[7][8] As cast member Eli Gelb said, "It’s all recorded live. The entire band, every instrument, every audio signal ... every night. Every audio signal that you hear is routed to a mixer."[9]

Production history

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Off-Broadway (2023)

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The play premiered Off-Broadway at Playwrights Horizons on October 6, 2023, with an official opening of October 26, directed by Daniel Aukin. It was named Best Play of the Year by the Washington Post, and "hands-down the best American play since the pandemic" by former New York Times critic Ben Brantley. Stereophonic was named Best of 2023 by numerous publications, including the New Yorker, New York Magazine, The New York Times, The Wrap, and Time Out New York. After multiple extensions, the play closed on December 17, 2023.[10]

Broadway (2024)

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In January 2024, it was announced the play would transfer to Broadway in early 2024 for a limited engagement. The show began previews on April 2, 2024, and officially opened on Broadway on April 19 at the John Golden Theatre. The production was scheduled to run until July 7, 2024 before being extended multiple times due to popular demand.[11][12][13][14] The production received acclaim from critics, earning 5 wins and 13 nominations at the 77th Tony Awards. The show won Best Play, Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play (Will Brill), Best Direction of a Play (Daniel Aukin), Best Scenic Design of a Play (David Zinn), and Best Sound Design of a Play (Ryan Rumery).[15] It tied with the jukebox musical Hell's Kitchen as the two most nominated shows at the ceremony.[16] Stereophonic now holds the record for the most Tony nominations by a play, surpassing the record previously held by Slave Play.[17] Sarah Pidgeon, Juliana Canfield, and Tom Pecinka are scheduled to depart the production on September 29 with Amy Forsyth, Rebecca Naomi Jones, and Benjamin Anthony expected to replace their respective roles as Diana, Holly, and Peter respectively.[18]

The production is scheduled to close on January 12, 2025[18]

Original cast and characters

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Character Off-Broadway[10] Broadway
2023 2024
Reg Will Brill
Diana Sarah Pidgeon
Simon Chris Stack
Peter Tom Pecinka
Holly Juliana Canfield
Charlie Andrew R. Butler
Grover Eli Gelb

Notable replacements

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Broadway (2024-)

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Musical numbers

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Although the play is not a musical, several 1970s inspired original songs are played live in the set's "studio" as the play depicts the recording of the album. In the Off-Broadway and Broadway version, the actors themselves supply all the vocals and play all the music, though many in the cast had to learn to play their instrument for this production. Will Brill had never even held a bass before being cast as the band's bassist.[19]

An original cast recording of the music from Stereophonic was released digitally on May 10, 2024, and became available on CD on June 14, 2024.[20]

Track listing
  • "Seven Roads"
  • "Bright v1"
  • "Masquerade"
  • "Bright (Fast)"
  • "Drive"
  • "Champagne"
  • "East of Eden"
  • "Domino"
  • "'It's made of teak'"
  • "In Your Arms"
  • "BVs"
  • "Exorcist II"
  • "Campfire Masquerade"
  • "Bright (Take 22)"
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A lawsuit has been filed against David Adjmi, alleging that it infringes on the memoir Making Rumours: The Inside Story of the Classic Fleetwood Mac Album by Ken Caillat and Steven Stiefel. The lawsuit claims that the play is an unauthorized adaptation of the book, detailing events similar to those in Caillat’s experience as a sound engineer and co-producer of Fleetwood Mac's 1977 album Rumours. The suit highlights similarities in the play’s story arc, set design, and specific incidents, arguing that the play mirrors many elements from the memoir, including personal and technical details of the recording process. Adjmi has not yet commented on the lawsuit, but has previously stated that the play draws from various sources, including classic rock acts like Fleetwood Mac. The plaintiffs are seeking damages, claiming the play’s success is built on their intellectual property.[21][22]

Awards and nominations

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2023 Off-Broadway production

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Year Award Category Nominee Result Ref.
2023
 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Play David Adjmi Won [23]
Outstanding Director of a Play Daniel Aukin Won
Outstanding Music in a Play Will Butler Won
Outstanding Orchestrations Will Butler and Justin Craig Nominated
Outstanding Scenic Design of a Play David Zinn Won
Outstanding Costume Design of a Play Enver Chakartash Won
Outstanding Sound Design of a Play Ryan Rumery Won
Outstanding Wig and Hair Robert Pickens and Katie Gell Nominated
Special Ensemble Award Will Brill, Andrew R. Butler, Juliana Canfield, Eli Gelb, Tom Pecinka, Sarah Pidgeon, and Chris Stack Won
Lucille Lortel Awards Outstanding Play David Adjmi Nominated [24]
[25]
Outstanding Director Daniel Aukin Nominated
Outstanding Featured Performer in a Play Eli Gelb Won
Outstanding Scenic Design David Zinn Nominated
Outstanding Costume Design Enver Chakartash Nominated
Outstanding Lighting Design Jiyoun Chang Nominated
Outstanding Sound Design Ryan Rumery Won

2024 Broadway production

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Year Award Category Nominee Result Ref.
2024
 Tony Awards Best Play David Adjmi Won [26][27]
Best Featured Actor in a Play Will Brill Won
Eli Gelb Nominated
Tom Pecinka Nominated
Best Featured Actress in a Play Sarah Pidgeon Nominated
Juliana Canfield Nominated
Best Direction of a Play Daniel Aukin Won
Best Original Score Will Butler Nominated
Best Orchestrations Will Butler and Justin Craig Nominated
Best Scenic Design David Zinn Won
Best Costume Design Enver Chakartash Nominated
Best Lighting Design Jiyoun Chang Nominated
Best Sound Design Ryan Rumery Won
Drama League Awards Outstanding Production of a Play David Adjmi Won [28]
Outstanding Direction of a Play Daniel Aukin Won
Distinguished Performance Eli Gelb Nominated
Sarah Pidgeon Nominated
Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding New Broadway Play David Adjmi Won [29]
Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Play Sarah Pidgeon Nominated
Outstanding Score (Broadway or Off-Broadway) Will Butler Nominated
Outstanding Direction of a Play (Broadway of Off-Broadway) Daniel Aukin Won
Outstanding Scenic Design (Broadway or Off-Broadway) David Zinn Won
Outstanding Costume Design Enver Chakartash Nominated
Outstanding Sound Design Ryan Rumery Won
New York Drama Critics' Circle Awards Best Play David Adjmi Won

References

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  1. ^ "Stereophonic : Playwrights Horizons". playwrightshorizons.org. Archived from the original on 2024-02-05. Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  2. ^ ""Stereophonic" duo David Adjmi and Will Butler break down writing a behind-the-scenes drama about 1970s rock stars". www.msn.com. Archived from the original on 2024-06-20. Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  3. ^ "A new play peers into a band's life, from the inside". NPR. Archived from the original on April 30, 2024. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  4. ^ "'Stereophonic' Review: Fictionalizing Fleetwood Mac". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on May 5, 2024. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  5. ^ "How Stereophonic Beat the Tony-Nominations Record". Vulture. 30 April 2024. Archived from the original on May 3, 2024. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  6. ^ Desk, BWW News. "Stage Version of Ta-Nehisi Coates Book, David Adjmi's STEREOPHONIC and More Among 2017 Sundance Institute Theatre Lab Selections". BroadwayWorld.com. Archived from the original on 2024-03-22. Retrieved 2024-03-22. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  7. ^ "How the Company Cast Recording Documentary Inspired Stereophonic". Archived from the original on 2024-02-26. Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  8. ^ "Review: In 'Stereophonic,' the Rock Revolution Will Be Recorded". New York Times. Archived from the original on 2024-03-22. Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  9. ^ Menzel, Idina (June 11, 2024). ""It's Like Lightning in a Bottle": Eli Gelb and Idina Menzel Geek Out Over Stereophonic". Interview. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
  10. ^ a b "Stereophonic". www.iobdb.com. Archived from the original on 2024-03-22. Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  11. ^ McHenry, Jackson (2023-10-29). "Stereophonic Goes Its Own Way, and Finds Its Groove". Vulture. Archived from the original on 2024-03-22. Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  12. ^ Evans, Greg (2024-03-28). "'Stereophonic' To Begin Broadway Previews A Day Early With $40 Show". Deadline. Archived from the original on 2024-04-02. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
  13. ^ "Stereophonic on Broadway Extends Through Mid August 2024". BroadwayWorld. Archived from the original on June 20, 2024. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
  14. ^ "Stereophonic, Most Tony-Nominated Play of All Time, Extends Broadway Engagement". Broadway.com. Archived from the original on 2024-06-05. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
  15. ^ Nordyke, Kimberly (June 16, 2024). "Tony Awards: Winners List". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on June 16, 2024. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  16. ^ "Tony Award Nominations: 'Hell's Kitchen', 'Stereophonic' Lead With 13". Deadline Hollywood. 30 April 2024. Archived from the original on May 6, 2024. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  17. ^ Grein, Paul. "'Hell's Kitchen' & 'Stereophonic' Lead 2024 Tony Nominations: Full List". Archived from the original on 30 April 2024. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
  18. ^ a b c d Evans, Greg (2024-09-16). "'Stereophonic' Extends Broadway Run For Final Time, Announces New Cast Members". Deadline. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  19. ^ Soloski, Alexis. "How 'Stereophonic' Made Musicians Out of Actors". Archived from the original on 28 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  20. ^ Wild, Stephi. "STEREOPHONIC Will Release Cast Recording Next Month; 'Masquerade' Video Out Now!". BroadwayWorld.com. Archived from the original on 2024-04-22. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
  21. ^ Evans, Greg (2024-10-02). "Fleetwood Mac Sound Engineer Sues 'Stereophonic', Says Hit Broadway Drama "Copies The Heart And Soul" Of His 'Rumours' Memoir". Deadline. Retrieved 2024-10-12.
  22. ^ Hall, Margaret (October 1, 2024). "David Adjmi Sued by Fleetwood Mac Producer Over Alleged Plagiarism in Stereophonic". playbill.com. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
  23. ^ "2024 Drama Desk Awards Nominations- The Full List!". BroadwayWorld. Archived from the original on April 29, 2024. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
  24. ^ "Wet Brain Leads 2024 Lucille Lortel Award Nominations; Read the Complete List". Playbill. Archived from the original on April 5, 2024. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
  25. ^ "(PRAY), THE COMEUPPANCE, and More Take Home 2024 Lucille Lortel Awards - Full List of Winners!". BroadwayWorld. Archived from the original on May 6, 2024. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  26. ^ "'Hell's Kitchen' and 'Stereophonic' lead Tony Awards with 13 nominations each". NPR. Archived from the original on April 30, 2024. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  27. ^ The American Theatre Wing's Tony Awards®
  28. ^ "2024 Drama League Award Nominations announced". Theatermania. Archived from the original on April 22, 2024. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  29. ^ "Dead Outlaw, Stereophonic Lead 2024 Outer Critics Circle Award Nominations". Theatermania. Archived from the original on April 23, 2024. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
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