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One of the great things about living in London is that if you hear of an incredible US theatre show that you’d love to cross the pond to catch but can’t justify the expense then no worries – it’ll inevitably end up here at some point.
And transferring faster than most is David Adjmi’s Stereophonic, which last year racked up the most Tony Award nominations for any play in history. Written in collaboration with songwriter Will Butler – previously of Arcade Fire – the drama is about the tense 1976 recording sessions for the new album by a Anglo-American rock band riven by personal conflict and damaged relationships, but on the cusp of making a truly monumental record.
In other words Stereophonic is a fictionalised account of the making of Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours, and by all accounts it’s wonderful: Time Out New York gave it five stars twice as it worked its way up from the small Playwrights Horizons to the bigger John Golden Theatre on Broadway. TO New York theatre editor Adam Feldman described it as ‘a richly satisfying multitrack production’.
Having won five of its 12 Tony nominations Stereophonic closes on Broadway this weekend after a limited engagement, and next it’s coming for us. Three of the original cast members – Andrew R Butler, Eli Gelb and Chris Stack – are confirmed for the Daniel Aukin-directed production.
Going straight into the West End, Stereophonic may not hit peak hype over here until the reviews are out – you’re advised to skim the US notices and book in early if you like what you read, because if it lives up to its legend Stereophonic is liable to be a sellout smash.
Stereophonic is at the Duke of York’s Theatre from May, exact dates TBC. Sign up here to be alerted when tickets go on sale.