Stereophonic Arrives in Chicago

David Adjmi’s play ‘Stereophonic’ is now in Chicago, and it’s a wild ride. The show, which was a hit on Broadway, tells the story of a British band’s messy, gorgeous creative process through original music by Will Butler, a former Arcade Fire member.

A Shorter, But Still Gritty, ‘Radio Edit’

Adjmi had to shorten the play for its national tour, but he’s proud of the result, which he calls the ‘Radio Edit’. It’s 15 minutes shorter than the original, but still packs a punch. The show explores the tensions between artistic vision and collaboration, and it’s clear that Adjmi drew from his own experiences with bad collaborations.

Butler’s music is a key part of the show, and he wrote songs that are both deeply personal and entirely fictional. He says the process was ‘exhausting’ but ultimately rewarding, as they all pushed each other to create something new and innovative.

A Play That’s Hard to Cast

Adjmi says that ‘Stereophonic’ is a tough show to cast, requiring actors who can play instruments and act – a skill set that’s hard to find. But the result is worth it, as the show comes alive with the band’s music and drama.

‘Stereophonic’ runs from January 27 to February 8 at the CIBC Theatre in Chicago. Don’t miss it – it’s a gritty, gorgeous look at the creative process, and it’s sure to leave you thinking.