STEREOPHONIC

If you've ever been curious about the complex creative process that groups undergo to craft the perfect songs, harmonies, melodies, and musical arrangements, then "Stereophonic" at the CIBC Theatre is a must-see. This four-act play, which captures the specific "vibe" of the 70s, delves into the exhilarating joys and profound challenges of producing a recording, offering a glimpse into the collaboration that ignites artistic expression. The play follows the rise to stardom of a five-member rock band, made up of two couples and a drummer, during their sessions at a recording studio in Sausalito, California. Initially, they aim to finish the recording within a few weeks, but the timeline quickly stretches into a grueling year, driven by perfectionism, ego clashes, and emotional breakdowns.

As the recording process unfolds and their individual artistic ambitions emerge, the fragility of their relationships becomes evident. Through the lens of their experiences, Stereophonic offers a glimpse into the rock-and-roll lifestyle of recording, examining how the pursuit of fame and musical greatness—as well as the accompanying fears of success or failure—can destroy families, friendships, and cherished memories of collaboration. The quest for stardom threatens to mentally and physically unravel the love shared among the couples and band members, leading to feelings of betrayal, envy, and personal ambition. They face significant challenges in their quest to create the perfect album, battling obstacles that test their creativity and resolve. Under the despotic guidance of Peter, who is not only egotistical but also excessively demanding and often demeaning, the eclectic group consisting of Diana, Holly, Simon, and Reg struggles to discover their unique rhythm. Playwright David Adjmi explores the dynamics of love, friendship, and power struggles among individuals, showing that their collective journey is laden with challenges as they delve into the painstakingly repetitive process of perfecting their artistic sound. Hours are spent obsessively fine-tuning a single snare hit or searching for that elusive vocal pitch and harmony that will define their identity as a band.

In this studio, they rehearse songs with lyrics that seem deeply personal, reflecting the emotional turmoil they've endured while working together and expressing raw feelings of frustration and disappointment. Adjmi shifts the spotlight from the music itself to the band's underlying tensions. Rather than showcasing their songs, it's the complex dynamics and conflicts between the band members that truly take center stage. Some might consider this a captivating twist; however, I firmly believe that the audience would have appreciated a greater emphasis on the music and songs. The group showcased remarkable talent, both musically and vocally, and more of their performances would have truly enhanced the experience.

The stage is divided by soundproof glass, creating a clear visual distinction between two distinct environments: a "tracking room," where musicians perform, complete with instruments and equipment, and the "control room," operated by the engineers, intently monitoring sound levels and mixing audio, ensuring that every note and nuance is captured. The seven-member cast, featuring Jack Barrett, Claire DeJean, Steven Lee Johnson, Emilie Kouatchou, Cornelius McMoyler, Denver Milord, and Christopher Mowod, crafted an exhilarating environment that beautifully blended drama and symmetry, with an inspiring dramatic and vocal performance from DeJean.

Though not an official biography, it draws heavily from the high-tension recording sessions of Fleetwood Mac during the creation of their iconic album, Rumours. In October 2024, sound engineer Ken Caillat, famous for producing Fleetwood Mac's Rumours, sued playwright David Adjmi and the producers of "Stereophonic," claiming it was a "thinly disguised" adaptation of his 2012 memoir, Making Rumours. He pointed out similarities, including a scene in which a guitarist demands that a recording be erased and phrases like "Wheels up." Adjmi contends the play is a "fantasia" and asserts that the characters and dialogue are original, despite drawing on the framework of a 70s rock band. Stereophonic musical direction, led by Will Butler (formerly of Arcade Fire), features all songs written by Butler.

The dialogue in Stereophonic might seem wandering at first, devoid of a clear direction or narrative arc. Yet beneath its surface, the focus and message are clear. Adjmi invites the audience to immerse themselves in the arduous and often devastating journey of striving for perfection, revealing the emotional and psychological toll it takes on individuals. Stereophonic isn't for everyone, and even though there is music played within the play, it's not a musical. This will unquestionably spark a dilemma between those who possess a deep understanding and appreciation of the recording process and those who remain indifferent to the nuanced intricacies involved in producing an album. For some, the layers of sound and the meticulous craft behind each track will be fascinating. In contrast, others may find themselves puzzled or uninterested in the complexity that enriches the listening experience, preferring a more scripted dialogue and music.

⭐⭐⭐ STARS

CIBC Theatre

STEREOPHONIC

Written by David Adjmi

Original Songs by Will Butler

Directed by Aukin

January 27, 2026, through February 8, 2026

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