Susan Granger’s review of “Almost Famous” (Bernard B. Jacobs Theater – Broadway)
In 2000, Cameron Crowe drew on his own youthful experience to create “Almost Famous,” a coming-of-age dramedy about a rookie rock journalist writing articles for Rolling Stone in the early 1970s.
After its premiere in 2019 at San Diego’s Old Globe – a new version of “Almost Famous” just opened on Broadway. Crowe wrote the semi-autobiographical book about a fictitious Led Zeppelin-like band called Stillwater and shares lyrics credits with composer Tom Kitt (“Next to Normal”), who wrote the score.
Set in 1973, the show begins with “It’s over,” uttered by cynical Lester Bangs (Rob Colletti), referring to real rock ‘n’ roll, as he tries to discourage wide-eyed, nerdy 15 year-old William Miller (Casey Likes).
Nevertheless determined to interview members of Stillwater, William befriends them – a seductive temptation which inevitably becomes a problem when he tries to write the behind-the-scenes truth about them and their music.
Helping William get a backstage pass and passage on the tour bus is affable, empathetic Penny Lane (Solea Pfeiffer), leader of the “Band-Aids” (Julia Cassandra, Katie Ladner, Jana Djenne-Jackson). She’s hangs out with lead guitarist Russell Hammond (Chris Wood), when he’s not with his “ex-ex-wife.”
“We are not Groupies,” Penny insists. “Groupies sleep with rock stars because they want to be near someone famous. We’re here because of the music; we inspire the music. We’re Band-Aids.”
Meanwhile, back home, there’s William’s rebellious older sister (Emily Schulthesis) and his frustrated, uptight, widowed mother (Anika Larsen), who begs William to come home in time for graduation.
Too bad British director Jeremy Herrin and choreographer Sarah O’Gelby don’t put much that’s original – or even memorable on Derek McLane’s bland, bare-bones scaffolding except vintage, bohemian nostalgia – post-hippie, pre-disco – with credit for that going to resourceful costumer David Zinn.
The funniest line is spoken by the band’s ‘new’ manager (Jakeim Hart): “If you think Mick Jagger will still be out there trying to be a rock star at age 50, you are sadly, sadly mistaken.” Problem is: that and other pithy remarks are lifted straight from the film.
Bottom Line: Re-visit the movie, starring Patrick Fugit, Kate Hudson, Billy Crudup and Frances McDormand, or see it for the first time on Amazon, Vudu, iTunes or YouTube