“Stereophonic” is heralded as the most Tony Award-nominated play of all time, bursting on the scene in 2023. The dramatic stage production follows a fictional 1970s rock band set in a recording studio as they navigate the struggles that come with fame.
As a stage play, “Stereophonic” is not categorized as a musical, however, the production is rife with music. The cast performs a series of songs meant to be the makings of an award-winning album.
Denver Milord, who plays one of the title characters, Peter, says very few plays get to tour the country. It makes starring in “Stereophonic” a unique experience, and one the audience shouldn’t miss.
“I was just so full of joy thinking about that,” Milord says. “to think that this could be someone’s first play that they ever see.”
Referred to in the industry as a “straight play” despite its strong musical presence, “Stereophonic” is different because the songs aren’t used to narrate what is happening. Instead, actors are performing their dialogue without music and the songs are simply a supplement to what you see unfolding on stage.
"There's... drama and all sorts of entertainment," he says. “It’s a funny show, it’s a moving show… there’s tears, there’s laughs, and there’s rock and roll music.”
Dennyse Sewell, CEO of the Pioneer Center of the Performing Arts, has said she is most excited for “Stereophonic” this season, despite having already seen the production in New York.
“When I had the privilege of seeing it on Broadway in May of 2024, I was utterly blown away. The set design, costumes, dialogue, and characters created an immersive world set in a 1970s recording studio that I wished I could live inside,” Sewell gushed.
The music was written by Will Butler, former member of the indie rock band Arcade Fire. It’s different than a Broadway soundtrack, more akin to a nostalgic rock album—and it’s catchy. Sewell suggests downloading the album and giving it a listen before the show so you can bop along when you see it live.
“Straight plays don’t typically have a long lifespan once they leave New York… so Reno doesn’t often have a chance to experience them,” Sewell says. “’Stereophonic’ was such a phenomenal critical and commercial success on Broadway that they were able to launch a major national tour."
"We are tremendously fortunate that we’re one of the first cities across the country that will get to experience this brand new show," - Dennyse Sewell