David Adjmi's "Stereophonic" Opens Off-Broadway, Immersing Audiences in 1970s Rock Scene

Playwright David Adjmi's latest work, "Stereophonic," has made its highly anticipated off-Broadway debut. The play, set in a 1970s recording studio, follows the tumultuous creative process of a fictional rock band reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac as they record their pivotal album. Directed by Daniel Aukin, the production features an ensemble cast and original songs composed by Will Butler, formerly of Arcade Fire.

The play opens with the band, comprised of an American couple and a British couple along with their drummer, entering a California studio to begin work on their new record. As the creative process unfolds, personal rifts, substance abuse, and the challenges of artistic collaboration threaten to derail the album's completion. "Stereophonic" is a fly-on-the-wall study of the tensions and conflicts that arise as the band teeters on the brink of stardom, Adjmi explained.

The ensemble cast delivers powerful performances, capturing the raw emotions and complex dynamics within the group. Sarah Pidgeon shines as Diana, the band's lead singer, bringing an appealing mystery and longing to her character as she incrementally gains her own confidence and voice. Will Brill, Tom Pecinka, Eli Gelb, and others round out the talented cast, with Gelb's portrayal of the eccentric engineer Grover emerging as a standout.

Butler's original songs, evoking the progressive rock sound of the late 1970s, play a critical role in immersing the audience in the era. The music, combined with the meticulous set design by David Zinn and atmospheric sound design by Ryan Rumery, creates a transportive experience that draws viewers into the claustrophobic recording studio. One song in particular stands out as a highlight, capturing the emotional core of the story, Butler noted.

Why this matters: "Stereophonic" offers a poignant exploration of the true costs and sacrifices demanded by the pursuit of artistic perfection. The play serves as a thought-provoking allegory for the music industry's inherent greed and the toll it takes on artists, particularly the women who must navigate a landscape dominated by patriarchal figures.

While the play's lengthy runtime occasionally tests the audience's patience, "Stereophonic" remains an undeniably immersive and transportive theatrical experience. Adjmi's incisive writing, combined with Aukin's naturalistic direction and the cast's committed performances, results in a production that defies expectations. As Diana and the band grapple with their demons and the pressure to deliver a hit record, "Stereophonic" invites viewers to consider the fine line between the thrill and danger of creative collaboration.

Key Takeaways

• David Adjmi's "Stereophonic" debuts off-Broadway, set in 1970s recording studio.
• Play follows a fictional rock band reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac recording pivotal album.
• Ensemble cast delivers powerful performances, with Eli Gelb's portrayal of engineer Grover standout.
• Original songs by Will Butler immerse audience in 1970s progressive rock sound.
• Play explores costs and sacrifices of artistic perfection in music industry.