Playwright's Play Hits Road, Shorter 'Radio Edit'

The critically acclaimed play "Stereophonic," which captured the essence of ego, insecurity, and the messy beauty of creativity during the 2024-25 Broadway season, has begun its first national tour. The production, centered on a fictional British band recording an album in California between 1976 and 1977, now includes original music by Will Butler of Arcade Fire.

Playwright David Adjmi has adapted the script for the tour, creating a "Radio Edit" approximately 15 minutes shorter than the Broadway version. He emphasizes that this revision maintains the integrity and spirit of the original work. Casting the demanding roles, which require musicianship and acting prowess, proved to be a significant challenge, mirroring the play's exploration of intense creative collaboration.

"Stereophonic" examines the nature of artistic collaboration, its inherent tensions, and the inevitability of endings. Adjmi drew inspiration from personal experiences with difficult collaborations, using the play as a vehicle to explore fractured relationships and the acceptance of life's inherent dualities. The music, composed by Butler, is integral, serving to enhance character and world-building within the narrative.

The play is currently performing at the CIBC Theatre in Chicago, with its tour continuing to various cities. The music itself is a unique element, with original songs by Butler designed to serve the narrative and characters rather than function as traditional musical numbers. Butler noted the specific sound of 1976-era three-part harmony was crucial to establishing the band's dynamic.