Why is Stereophonic Not a Musical? Success Story of this Play
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Updated Jun 17, 2024
Why is Stereophonic Not a Musical?
Stereophonic isn't considered a musical because its songs don't advance the plot or express the characters' emotions like in typical musicals. The music is part of the story because the characters are musicians, and they are aware they are performing. Unlike musicals, where songs are crucial to storytelling, the songs in "Stereophonic" could be swapped out without changing the storyline. The music is infrequent and doesn't drive the narrative forward. Essentially, the songs are there because the characters are in a band, not to move the story along.
Stereophonic
Stereophonic is a stage play with music, written by American playwright David Adjmi, with music composed by Will Butler from the indie rock band Arcade Fire. It won the 2024 Tony Award for Best Play. The story is about a fictional rock band on the brink of fame as they work on recording a new album from 1976 to 1977. The play premiered at Playwrights Horizons off-Broadway in 2023 before moving to Broadway's John Golden Theatre in 2024.
Stereophonic Plot
Stereophonic is set in two California recording studios over a year, where a 1970s rock band, similar to Fleetwood Mac, works on a historic album. The play explores the band's musical and personal struggles, including breakups, drug use, and conflicts. Five band members and two engineers navigate their anxieties and creative processes. The actors sing and play instruments, though we only hear snippets of songs until the end. The story focuses on the impact of fame, sex, and drugs on their art. Ultimately, it reveals the band's journey of self-invention amidst chaos.
Wherever the Stereophonic was Played?
Stereophonic had been played in two places, check the details below:-
Off-Broadway (2023)
Stereophonic premiered at Playwrights Horizons on October 6, 2023, and opened officially on October 26, directed by Daniel Aukin. It was praised as the Best Play of the Year by the Washington Post and hailed as the best American play since the pandemic by Ben Brantley. The play closed on December 17, 2023, after multiple extensions.
Broadway (2024)
The play transferred to Broadway in early 2024, starting previews on April 2 and officially opening on April 19 at the John Golden Theatre. It was initially set to run until July 7, 2024, but was extended to August 18, 2024. "Stereophonic" received 13 Tony nominations, tying with "Hell's Kitchen" and setting a record for the most nominations for a play.
Success of Stereophonic
The production was highly praised, with critics comparing it to Fleetwood Mac's 1977 album "Rumours." It made history with 13 Tony nominations, surpassing "Slave Play." It was nominated for Best Play, Best Direction, and acting awards for Canfield, Pidgeon, Brill, Gelb, and Pecinka. "Stereophonic" also won 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.
