Reviewed by Nyla Arslanian
Settling into our seats at the Pantages on opening night, the first clue to what would be a lingering issue was before us. Placed into the cavernous stages which generally hosts musical extravaganzas, it was different seeing a stage within a stage.
Following the lengthy and much anticipated five Tony-award winning Stereophonic, this reviewer had little doubt why the play garnered so many accolades. The book takes us inside not only the inner workings of a recording studio, but the inner workings of real people with real people issues who, in spite of their musical talent and resultant fame, are basically rather ordinary as their issues are laid bare on stage. Dialogue is crisp, when it can be heard, emotions are fully on display.
Musically and technically superb, the play takes us through the angst of producing and the pressures of continuing success when success has occurred. The next album must match and even exceed as expectations increase.
One could only wonder what seeing this remarkable play, currently running in the 800-seat Golden Theatre on Broadway, mounted nearby in the 1,200-seat Montalban Theatre. It’s not difficult to imagine what the theatrical experience would be in a much more appropriate—smaller–venue.
Addressing the touring audience in the program notes, playwright David Adjmi writes that the play has been shortened and altered to accommodate the demands of a national tour. This reviewer, having to strain to hear the softer moments of lengthy dialogue, thought the shortening did tighten and possibly even improve the play.
Each member of the cast was extraordinary and had their specific moments on stage. Denver Milord as Peter and Claire Dejean as Diana in particular as they laid bare their challenges both as artists and as a married couple. Claire Dejean’s vocals and music by Will Butler were extraordinary, leaving no doubt about this group’s musical credibility. Studio engineer Grover, played by Jack Barrett and his sidekick Reg, a delightful Cristopher Mowod brought levity as well as the air of professional calmness as chaos erupts among the band members.
Again, Tony kudos to the set which was spot on late 1970’s perfect as confirmed by my companion, hus band Oscar Arslanian, who was Director of Press and Artist Relations at Capitol Records during that time. He also commented on the fact that often those who have made the most successful and memorable music of the era were “just like that.”
Still, as a theatre afficionado, this play is recommended. We don’t see nearly enough quality recent Broadway theatre in this town.
With Nederlander Organization’s Broadway in Hollywood mounting Dungeons & Dragons Twenty-Sided Tavern for a run in nearby Montalban Theatre, one of this town’s best theatres, I’m hopeful we could see more of Broadway brought to town at the venerable the Montalban in the future.