DeepSummary
The podcast episode discusses the Broadway play 'Stereophonic', which has been nominated for a record-breaking 13 Tony Awards. The play, written by David Adjmi and featuring music by Will Butler of Arcade Fire, is set in a recording studio in the 1970s and follows a rock band as they create their second album. The show's success is seen as a rare bright spot for serious theater, which has been struggling due to high costs, competition from streaming services, and a lack of interest from younger audiences.
The episode features interviews with the play's creators, including Adjmi, Butler, and the show's producers. They discuss the inspiration for the play, the decade-long process of bringing it to the stage, and the challenges of accurately depicting the recording process and dynamics of a band. The actors, such as Tom Pasinka and Sarah Pigeon, also share their experiences of portraying the complex characters and learning to play music live on stage.
The success of 'Stereophonic' is seen as a potential turning point for Broadway, which has been criticized for relying too heavily on revivals, Hollywood adaptations, and formulaic musicals. The play's unconventional approach and focus on the creative process itself have resonated with both audiences and critics, leading to its multiple Tony nominations and strong ticket sales.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The Broadway play 'Stereophonic' has been a critical and commercial success, receiving a record-breaking 13 Tony nominations.
- The play offers a unique and unconventional depiction of a rock band recording an album in the 1970s, accurately portraying the creative process and dynamics of a band.
- The success of 'Stereophonic' is seen as a potential turning point for serious theater, which has been struggling with high costs, competition from streaming services, and a lack of interest from younger audiences.
- The play's creators, including playwright David Adjmi and composer Will Butler, spent over a decade developing the show and faced challenges getting it produced due to its unconventional subject matter.
- The actors in 'Stereophonic' had to undergo extensive training to learn to play music live on stage and accurately portray the complex relationships and personalities within the band.
- The show's success has been attributed to its ability to offer audiences a unique and electrifying theatrical experience, defying conventional Broadway formulas and resonating with audiences seeking live, shared experiences.
- The COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to a renewed interest in live theater, as audiences seek communal experiences and opportunities to gather in person after being isolated for an extended period.
- 'Stereophonic' represents a rare bright spot for serious theater, which has been struggling to attract audiences and funding, and its success could potentially pave the way for more unconventional and daring productions on Broadway.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I want to feel electricity and I want to feel alive in a new way. I want to feel something unpeeling or unfolding in a very surprising way when I go to the theater.“ by David Adjmi
- “If you follow a formula for Broadway, what I've found is the biggest successes on Broadway tend to break that formula. And this is one of those how.“ by Sonja Friedman
- “I think the reason why, especially a lot of young people are coming to the theater in 2024 is that we forget, because I think we have collective PTSD. But we were locked in our houses for three and a half years, and I think people want to be around each other.“ by Tom Pasinka
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Episode Information
Freakonomics Radio
Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
6/13/24