Official Blurb: Stereophonic mines the agony and the ecstasy of creation as it zooms in on a music studio in 1976. Here, an up-and-coming rock band recording a new album finds itself suddenly on the cusp of superstardom. The ensuing pressures could spark their breakup — or their breakthrough. Written by David Adjmi, directed by Daniel Aukin, and featuring original music by Arcade Fire’s Will Butler, Stereophonic invites the audience to immerse themselves — with fly-on-the-wall intimacy — in the powder keg process of a band on the brink of blowing up
my thoughts: I was obsessed with Daisy Jones and the Six (book and TV series), and in the same vein left Stereophonic equally obsessed. In the same vein of a Fleetwood Mac style process, the whole thing was thoroughly engaging. The music was excellent, I currently have a number of its songs in my Summer 2024 playlist. The acting was superb, the stage was so well designed and it seamlessly mixed music dialogue and emotion in a great manner. Definitely run to see it if you can. Two things I didn’t love? A last pass editing would have been great because it definitely could have clocked below the 3 hour mark (why it is 3 hours and 15 minutes I do not know) Also I wasnt a fan of Julia Canfield’s character Holly, I don’t know if I didn’t love her acting, the accent or it was the character itself and she’s just really good at it. The rest of the cast however, utter brilliance.
My friends one sentence review: It reminded me so much of Daisy and the Six. Really fun to watch the creative process of making music in real time, plus the songs are so good! In the end it’s a little too long especially when it all happens in the same space.
Official Blurb: Academy Award nominee Rachel McAdams stars in the Broadway premiere of Mary Jane, written by Pulitzer Prize finalist Amy Herzog (4000 Miles, the recent Tony-nominated adaptation of A Doll’s House). Captivating, affecting and compassionate, it’s the story of a single mother in an impossible family situation. Faced with seemingly insurmountable odds, Mary Jane relies on unflagging optimism and humor, along with the wisdom of the women around her who have become a makeshift family, to take on each new day. But will inner strength and newfound friendships be enough to see her through? Jesse Green of The New York Times named Mary Jane a Critic’s Pick and The Wall Street Journal raves, “Rachel McAdams gives one of the most moving and strikingly unadorned performances of this season, or any.” Directing is the acclaimed Anne Kauffman (The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window).
my thoughts: I had mixed feelings about this play. Right of the bat it has to be said that Rachel McAdams is such a good actress and she is spectacular in this. My main issue with the show is that as much as I loved her as an actress I disliked her character. I Was discussing it with a friend who had read the play (not seen the show) and she agreed with my assessment of Mary Jane. As poised as her demeanor is, it becomes frustrating in seeing her total control, and it prevented me from getting more emotionally involved in the show. It is however a very powerful commentary on the state of the medical system and the issues of being a care giver in todays society. The sets were gorgeous and the move from one to another was impressive.
My friends one sentence review: I loved this show. It was emotionally powerful. It explored the challenges of single parenthood, especially when caring for a sick child. Despite the sadness, it also highlighted resilience and resourcefulness. The use of just two sets was impressive, effectively conveying the characters’ limited living space. Highly recommend.
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