It’s all happening! Cameron Crowe’s coming-of-age semi-biographical film, Almost Famous, is now on Broadway. The musical adaptation is the Broadway show that honors the love of ’70s rock ‘n’ roll. It has finally made its way to the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre.
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Broadway welcomes Almost Famous to the stage
On October 3, audiences got a front row seat into the preview opening of the musical.
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For the lucky ones who got to see the show early, here are their thoughts.
Anyway, yes, the Almost Famous musical is great. And yes I might have gotten a little teary during Tiny Dancer. And also yes, Cameron Crowe came onstage at the beginning. https://t.co/5W520EatpG
— James M. Farner (@jamesmfarner) October 4, 2022
We can imagine the beautiful nostalgic moment.
ITS ALL HAPPENING! Previews opening night! 🎸 (@ Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre – @shubertorg for Almost Famous – Musical in New York, NY) https://t.co/QcoPkSYFVb pic.twitter.com/s6uHShDccp
— Melissa ~ Missy (@twirlynao) October 4, 2022
We’re loving it already!
Now, Almost Famous is officially open, and had its opening night on November 3.
Is Broadway show like the movie?
In 1973, fifteen-year-old William Miller’s dream is to become a rock journalist. When Rolling Stone magazine decides to send him on the road with an up-and-coming band, he finds himself thrown into an otherworldly culture dominated by sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll. Almost Famous is about William’s self-discovery and the characters he meets along the way.
The musical adaptation will follow the same plot as the film, with a focus on the celebration of music, community, and what it means to be a “fan.”
Almost Famous Broadway cast
The Broadway show introduces Casey Likes as protagonist William. Tony Award nominee Anika Larsen will be playing William’s mother, Elaine.
Other cast members include Chris Wood as lead drummer Russell Hammond, Solea Pfeiffer as Penny Lane, Drew Gehling as lead singer Jeff, and Rob Colletti as rock journalist Lester Bangs. Matt Bittner, Chad Burris, Gerard Canonico, Julia Cassandra, Brandon Contreras, Jakeim Hart, Van Hughes, Jana Djenne Jackson, Katie Ladner, and Emily Schultheis also star.
Almost Famous will include music and lyrics by Tom Kitt, direction by Jeremy Herrin, and choreography by Sarah O’Gleby.
Almost Famous and Penny Lane
One of the most memorable characters from the film is the “Band-Aid” leader Penny Lane. Played by Kate Hudson in the movie, she is inspired by rock ‘n’ roll groupies like Pamela Des Barres and Pennie Lane Trumbell, as well as singer Bebe Buell. Penny Lane is mysterious, whimsical, and confident, but she is also vulnerable and carries a lot of grief.
Will the Broadway musical be able to capture the true essence of the character? Just from the production photos so far, Solea Pfeiffer looks like a dreamy Penny Lane.
We got a sneak peek at the soundtrack
The show has released a first look at the soundtrack, with a song titled “Everybody’s Coming Together” and a video to follow. The video shows footage of the cast taking photos, rehearsing, and having a good time together.
Another song in the musical follows a deleted scene from the original film. Titled “The Night-Time Sky’s Got Nothing on You,” the track is a romantic duet between Russell Hammond and Penny Lane.
We can’t wait to hear the rest of the soundtrack!
Almost Famous will feature some special guest stars
On Tuesday, November 4, Almost Famous film director and playwright for the musical, Cameron Crowe, appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Fallon played the character of Stillwater’s new manager Dennis Hope in the movie. Crowe assured Fallon that the role was in the musical adaptation and invited him to join the cast.
“My dream has always been to have you come and be the link between the two casts, the cast of the musical, who also became a really tight family, and the movie. So, I would like you to come on the Broadway stage and play your part again of Dennis Hope.”
Of course, Jimmy Fallon agreed. Currently, Jakeim Hart plays Dennis Hope in the musical. We hope we’ll see more actors from the original film make some special appearances!
In addition, the cast appeared on the late night talk show to perform the pivotal scene from the film and musical, the bus scene where Stillwater, Penny Lane and the Bandaids, and William sing Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer.”
See Almost Famous on Broadway today and go on the rock joy ride of a lifetime.