I loved Stereophonic and was surprised to see so many lukewarm audience reactions. I think it comes down to expectations. This isn’t a flashy musical or fast comedy. It’s a deeply human look at the messy, ego-filled process of making something great. What moved me most was watching talented people wrestle with their craft — and with each other — knowing that not every beautiful idea can survive. Anyone who has ever cared deeply about their work will recognize that feeling. Sometimes you have to “kill your darlings” so the final creation can live. It’s long and talky, but if you’re interested in character, creativity, and how something beautiful emerges from friction, it’s extraordinary. I walked out thinking about my own work and life. That’s rare theater.

I was interested in seeing Stereophonic because I love Fleetwood Mac but did not know much about their history. So I read a little about them before seeing the show and was intrigued. It's more about the individuals in the group and their relationships with each other than the music itself.... unlike A Beautiful Noise that highlighted the music of Neil Diamond.

After all the buzz around Stereophonic, I was thoroughly looking forward to it. Sorry to say that although the play held my interest, I felt underwhelmed. The music—I would have liked more—was the high point, but the characters simply weren’t sympathetic; the play opening with the Stevie Nicks character whining for coffee, setting off a theme (perhaps unintentionally) of privileged rock stars taking themselves a little too seriously. How many bands would have given their eye teeth to be in this band’s shoes? And the performance felt long. The numerous rustlings from the audience during the many overly dramatic pauses were telling. A three-act (vs. a four-act) play might well have been better. Fleetwood Mac fans will probably feel differently, but I would personally enjoy Rumours—a fantastic album even 50 years later—more without knowing about the petty, self-indulgent excesses.

This is a very dramatic performance by talented actors, yet after having read the reviews prior to attending the show it wasn't what I expected. The constant arguing and turmoil between the actors was almost distracting. It was difficult to follow the storyline - were they really arguing so loudly about coffee? I would have liked to hear more music and singing. The Pantages is a beautiful theater and this was not a let down! I loved the offer of headphones at no charge (though I ended up not needing them since the voice projection was no problem!). Easy to access the restrooms during the 15 minute break but don't dawdle!

Agree with review who said it’s tailored for a specific audience. Unfortunately it wasn’t my wife and I. I’m from the Fleetwood Mac time and enjoyed their music. Still do. However, the drama and band culture not entertaining to me. Tried to open my mind and kept thinking it’d evolve and engage me but after early Act Four, we left. On the plus side, the acting was solid as well as their singing voices.

Watching this show was slightly torturous. The first act, in particular, was a slog with overlapping dialogue, weird pauses, and unlikeable characters. Oof. The second act picked up the pace slightly, but it was still a relief when it was over. At intermission, my husband, son and I headed to our car - along with about 10% of the audience.