‘Stereophonic‘ at the Pantages: A Captivating, Though Slightly Diminished, Echo of Brilliance
“Stereophonic,” currently captivating audiences at the Hollywood Pantages Theater, offers a raw and intimate glimpse into the tumultuous creative process of a 1970s rock band. Playwright David Adjmi‘s insightful script dissects the fragile egos, simmering tensions, and artistic compromises inherent in collaborative art. While this touring production maintains the play’s core strengths, it doesn’t quite recapture the electrifying energy of its original Broadway run.
The play centers on a band recording their highly anticipated album, and the cracks in their carefully constructed facade quickly begin to show. You’ll witness the complex dynamic between Peter, the band’s frontman, and his wife, Holly, a relationship built on mutual dependence and unspoken resentments. Their connection is magnetic, yet unsustainable, and the play expertly demonstrates how unfeasible it is to separate personal lives from the pressures of the studio.
Performances: High Points and Noticeable Shifts
DeJean and Milord deliver truly captivating performances, anchoring the production with their nuanced portrayals. The supporting cast is competent, but the absence of the original actors is keenly felt. it underscores just how integral they were to the play’s initial success.
Daniel Aukin’s direction, originally premiered at Playwrights Horizons in 2023, remains confident and fluid. The storytelling is clear and accessible. Though, some of the characters’ more intriguing quirks have been softened.
Here’s a breakdown of where the production shines and where it falls slightly short:
* Holly (Emilie Kouatchou): While Kouatchou offers a compelling performance, the character’s connection to Christine McVie feels less pronounced, resulting in a somewhat less defined role.
* Simon (cornelius McMoyler): McMoyler embodies the weary manager’s role technically, but lacks the gravitas needed for the character’s pivotal confrontation with Peter.
* Reg (Christopher Mowod): The role of Reg, a brilliantly chaotic figure, suffers most from the casting change. mowod doesn’t quite capture the same level of “fey madness” that Will Brill, a Tony Award winner for the part, brought to the stage.
* Grover (Jack Barrett) & Charlie (Steven Lee Johnson): The American sound engineers, often caught in the crossfire of artistic temperaments, are presented in more straightforward ways than their original counterparts. Barrett’s Grover is less rough around the edges,and Johnson’s Charlie,while amiable,lacks the alien-like quality Andrew R. Butler previously conveyed.
These differences matter because “Stereophonic” thrives on its meticulous attention to detail. everything feels a little more obvious in this iteration.
A Play About the Messiness of Creation
Despite these shifts, “Stereophonic” remains a powerful and thought-provoking experience. It’s not always easy – the play clocks in at nearly three hours, including an intermission – but the effort is ultimately rewarding.
Adjmi’s signature style, characterized by overlapping dialogue and pregnant pauses, brilliantly visualizes the frequently enough-invisible artistic process. You’ll find yourself immersed in the band’s world, witnessing the emotional toll of creation. By the play’s conclusion, the human drama behind the music emerges with poignant and transcendent beauty.
If you appreciate insightful character studies and a realistic portrayal of artistic collaboration, “Stereophonic” is a must-see. Be prepared for a challenging, yet deeply rewarding, theatrical experience.
‘Stereophonic’
Where: Hollywood Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., L.A.
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p