Stereophonic, a play by David Adjmi and directed by Daniel Aukin, follows a band over the course of a year as they record their new album in a studio. The show’s three-hour and ten-minute runtime immerses the audience in the process of making music, with moments of tension, shock, and sadness interspersed with rollicking sound. The play’s meticulously rendered recording-studio set and real instrument performances by the actors create a sense of timelessness, making it difficult for the audience to track the passage of time. Despite the long runtime, Stereophonic has garnered critical acclaim and received four Drama League Award nominations since its off-Broadway run at Playwrights Horizons and subsequent transfer to Broadway.
Lead vocalist Diana, played by Sarah Pidgeon, and keys player Holly, played by Juliana Canfield, both felt drawn to Stereophonic by mystical, unknowable forces. Pidgeon, best known for her roles in The Wilds and Tiny Beautiful Things, saw her interpretation of Diana evolve over time. The themes of ambition, professional pressures, and relationships explored in the play resonated more with her in her late 20s than they did when she first read for the role at 23. Diana’s struggles to assert her agency as a songwriter and deal with rejection in the industry mirrored Pidgeon’s own experiences as an actor, leading to a deeper understanding and connection with the character.
The relationship between Diana and Peter, the lead guitarist, becomes a central focus of the play as they navigate their personal and professional dynamics while recording the album. The emotional journey of the characters, including their fights and discussions about artistry and creativity, adds depth and complexity to the narrative. Pidgeon’s portrayal of Diana captures the character’s internal struggles and growth, reflecting her own journey as an artist in the entertainment industry. The themes of self-doubt, second-guessing, and the search for creative agency resonate with Pidgeon’s own experiences as an actor in a competitive and rejection-filled industry.
The immersive nature of Stereophonic, with its focus on the process of making music and the dynamics within the band, creates a captivating and engaging theatrical experience for audiences. The play’s exploration of artistic collaboration, personal relationships, and the challenges of pursuing creative passions resonates with viewers on a deeper level. The combination of live music performances, intimate character interactions, and thematic depth elevates Stereophonic beyond a simple story about a band recording an album, turning it into a rich and thought-provoking exploration of artistry, relationships, and personal growth.
The sold-out run of Stereophonic off-Broadway and its subsequent success on Broadway highlight the play’s enduring appeal and impact on audiences. The cast’s performances, particularly Sarah Pidgeon’s portrayal of Diana, bring authenticity and emotional depth to the characters, drawing viewers into their world and experiences. The universal themes of self-discovery, creative expression, and the struggle for agency resonate with audiences of all backgrounds, making Stereophonic a powerful and moving theatrical experience. As the play continues to receive critical acclaim and recognition, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the transformative impact of live theater.
