A new Broadway show based on a beloved movie takes you back to the world of rock and roll in the ‘70s. Almost Famous, based on the Academy Award-winning film, is playing at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre and brings rock to the stage.
Almost Famous tells the story of a San Diego teenager who gets the chance to be a freelance writer covering an up-and-coming rock band on their nationwide tour. He develops close relationships with the band’s lead singer and guitarist, as well as a notorious groupie. The film was semi-autobiographical from writer/director Cameron Crowe, who covered the Allman Brothers for Rolling Stone when he was just 16. Crowe won an Oscar for his screenplay and has adapted it himself into the book of this musical. The music was composed by Tom Kitt with lyrics co-written by Kitt and Crowe. The score captures that era of rock and roll exceedingly well.
The cast of Almost Famous is made up largely of newcomers and they’re excellent finds. Casey Likes plays the teenager William Miller and truly encapsulates the character. Likes was in high school just a couple years ago and now, much like his character, he’s been thrust into a huge role. Likes brings innocence to the stage and an earnest voice. Solea Pfeiffer plays the cult classic role of Penny Lane, made illustrious in the film by Kate Hudson. Hudson brought a hypnotism to the character that Pfeiffer succeeded in carrying over. Pfeiffer has the magnetic stage presence needed to play Penny and a truly remarkable voice sure to make her a Broadway star. Chris Wood plays the band’s troubled lead guitarist Russell. Wood does a terrific job highlighting the depths of the character and gets to play it up for the well-known scene in which Russell attends a high school party. Rounding out the main cast is Broadway veteran Drew Gehling as the band’s lead singer Jeff. Gehling has played more strait-laced characters in the past, but gets to be silly in this role, and showcases his booming voice in the band’s songs.
The musical is quite similar to the film version, so if you enjoy the movie, you’ll certainly enjoy the show. This adaptation doesn’t add much from the movie, although getting to see these performers live is certainly worth it. Almost Famous doubles as a heartwarming story and a fun rock concert live on Broadway.