'Stereophonic': A Riveting 1970s Rock Drama Wins Big at Tonys

June 23, 2025
'Stereophonic': A Riveting 1970s Rock Drama Wins Big at Tonys
  • The play 'Stereophonic', set in the 1970s, follows a fictional band reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac as they navigate the tumultuous process of recording an album fueled by substance abuse.

  • Will Butler, a former member of Arcade Fire, discusses his experience creating the play, which explores the tumultuous creative process of a rock band in a recording studio.

  • The narrative spans a year and 195 minutes, showcasing the band's dynamics, including two couples struggling with their relationships amidst the chaos.

  • The play's length of three hours and ten minutes mirrors the excess of classic double albums from the era, adding to the immersive experience for audiences.

  • 'Stereophonic' was nominated for 13 Tony Awards, winning five, highlighting its resonance with audiences who appreciate detailed explorations of personal and creative conflicts.

  • A lawsuit was filed by Fleetwood Mac's former sound engineer claiming the play's script was too similar to their experiences, but it was settled out of court, and Adjmi maintains the play is not solely based on Fleetwood Mac.

  • The play has received significant acclaim, including five Tony Awards, and has been praised for its realistic portrayal of the struggles and dynamics within a band.

  • The cast includes Nia Towle as keyboardist Holly, Zachary Hart as bassist Reg, Chris Stack as drummer Simon, Jack Riddiford as producer Peter, and Lucy Karczewski as vocalist Diana, each delivering strong performances.

  • Karczewski delivers a standout performance in the second act, showcasing her character's vulnerability and talent despite initial struggles on stage.

  • The production features overlapping dialogue, strategic use of silence, and a mix of emotional highs and lows, complemented by original pop-rock songs by Grammy winner Will Butler.

  • Butler collaborated with playwright David Adjmi for 11 years to bring 'Stereophonic' to the stage, with the initial concept stemming from a chance meeting in 2014.

  • Set in a detailed 70s recording studio, 'Stereophonic' captures the chaos and creativity of music-making, featuring characters who face personal and professional conflicts.

Summary based on 2 sources


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