By Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez
Those fascinated by the art of making and recording music may want to take a seat at CIBC Theatre for its latest production.
Currently making its Chicago premiere at CIBC Theatre is “Stereophonic,” a play with music, revolving around a ’70s-era rock band in the explosive process of recording an album. They are on the brink of stardom and all the “behind the music” tension is on display here. The show continues to Feb. 8.
While the play runs long at nearly three hours, the actors do a fine job of bringing audience members into the drama of the music-making fireworks. The musical compositions, written by Arcade Fire’s Will Butler, stand out and are given a strong delivery by the show’s talented vocalists.
Audience members will get a look at the strained relationships in this band, all their personal problems, the egotistical pride of temperamental artists and the nitty gritty process of the workings of recording music. Theater goers may instantly think of Fleetwood Mac and other ’70s rockers while watching this production.
“Stereophonic” is known as the most Tony Award-winning Show of 2024 and the most Tony Award-nominated play of all time. The show, written by David Adjimi and directed by Daniel Aukin, won Tony Awards for Best Play, Direction, Scenic Design and Sound Design in 2024.
Starring in the touring production are Jack Barrett, Claire DeJean, Steven Lee Johnson, Emilie Kouatchou, Cornelius Mcmoyler, Denver Milord and Christopher Mowod.
Among highlights of the show are the vocal performances of Claire DeJean, who portrays Diana and Emilie Kouatchou, in the role of Holly.
FYI: “Stereophonic” continues to Feb. 8 at Broadway in Chicago’s CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St., Chicago. Tickets range from $40 to $135. Visit BroadwayInChicago.com.
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
