Stereophonic, Paramount Theater

I’ve been looking forward to seeing this show forever. During it’s initial broadway run, I had heard mixed things about it (great music, not great story) and it just didn’t make the cut for my NYC visit that year. Later, after hearing songs on Apple Music, (Yes I listen to the Broadway station a lot!) I became a huge, huge fan of the soundtrack. Then the show won best play at the Tony’s in 2024, so obviously I had to see it.

I really enjoyed Stereophonic. But I can see why the story in particular didn’t engage everyone. The show isn’t actually a musical; it’s a play with songs. A fictional band is making an album in the late 70s. All living together and dealing with the pressure of the success of their first album. There’s two couples in the band, lots of drugs and alcohol, and of course lots of talent and ego. Sound familiar? I was aware the story was loosely inspired by Fleetwood Mac. But this is more than inspired. Each character in the show is a very thinly disguised member of that famous band.

The show is long; not Wagner-Opera long, but long. It’s been cut some for the tour to just under three hours, thank goodness. Still, on the surface, nothing happens. The story is in the slightly mundane interactions, and the slow buildup of seeing these relationships fray under stress, while still making amazing music. That’s the show. The songs are original and it’s slightly disappointing that in the show, I think there is only one that is played all the way through. It’s mostly snippets during the creative process.

I really enjoyed the performances of the Peter and Diana characters. While looking nothing like Lindsey Buckingham, the actor playing Peter conveyed the intensity, talent, controlling perfectionism and, um grating personality, that is associated with the actual musician. Diana had the look; but didn’t quite have the it factor of Stevie. Who does? But she had a beautiful voice and conveyed both extreme talent and insecurity. Watching the relationship implode, while knowing the actual story, is fascinating. All the cast was talented, singing and playing the instruments. If you like plays, this show is for you. The music is a bonus.