‘Stereophonic’ Review: Behind the Music, There’s Theatrical Solid Gold in This New Broadway Play

variety.com:

Frank Rizzo There’s a moment in David Adjmi’s play “Stereophonic” when a discordant, mid-’70s band-on-the rise hears one of its songs played back to them in the recording studio for the first time, with all its multiple tracks layered together into an artful whole.

It leaves the ever-bickering band suddenly speechless, emotionally stunned and still with the realization that they have just heard something truly great.

Audiences may feel the same way after seeing this work of theatrical virtuosity, realizing that all the tiny details, wild rhythms, and clever hooks presented on stage have added up to a work that is brave, purposeful, and rich. “Stereophonic,” which began at Playwrights Horizons, starts out at what seems like a light satire of drugged-out rockers, full of silly riffs, big egos and comic digressions.

But ever so gradually, and with the highest of fidelity, the play turns into something altogether fresh and, in this play-with-music hybrid form, indefinable.