NEW YORK (AP) — Sarah Pidgeon is embarking on her Broadway debut this season with a critically acclaimed show that delves into the process of creating art. She has also received her first Tony Award nomination, joined a rock band as part of the play, and recorded her first cast album.
“I’m experiencing so many surreal moments,” the actress exclaims. “I am living the dream, a dream I didn't even know existed until I read the script.”
Pidgeon plays rising singer-songwriter Diana in “Stereophonic,” a play by David Adjmi that follows a Fleetwood Mac-esque band in the mid-'70s as they navigate a transformative year filled with personal and professional challenges.
“I find myself breaking up with my boyfriend every night on stage, fighting for independence and asserting my agency as an artist and an individual,” says Pidgeon. “I'm not alone. Every character in the show is dealing with an overwhelming amount of stress and anguish.”
In one poignant scene, Diana struggles to hit a high B note, symbolizing the strain in her relationship as well as her voice. “Her voice is literally breaking while her relationship is also crumbling,” explains the actress.
“Stereophonic,” the play with the most Tony Award nominations in history, has struck a chord with audiences as a hyperrealistic exploration of the joys and challenges of artistic collaboration — from compromises to egos to moments of pure inspiration.
Pidgeon, a classically trained pianist and graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, never envisioned a career in Broadway. She sees herself as an actor with singing abilities rather than a singer.
Pidgeon has previously appeared in the Hulu series “Tiny Beautiful Things” and the Amazon Prime show “The Wilds.” She auditioned for “Stereophonic” during its off-Broadway run, never expecting it to transfer to Broadway or result in a cast album.
On the night of the Tony Awards, Pidgeon is nominated for Best Featured Actress in a Play along with her co-star Juliana Canfield, Quincy Tyler Bernstine from “Doubt: A Parable,” Celia Keenan-Bolger in “Mother Play,” and Kara Young from “Purlie Victorious.”
To embody a '70s rock star, Pidgeon created playlists and listened to iconic bands like the Mamas and the Papas and Fleetwood Mac's “Rumors.” She credits her father, a Bob Seger fan, and Adele for influencing her musical tastes.
Pidgeon feels a bit nervous about her vocals, mirroring her character's insecurities, but she embraces the imperfections as part of the performance: “Singing in this show is not just about hitting the perfect notes. It's about vibe, energy, and emotion, which gives me the freedom to explore.”
To bring “Stereophonic” to life, Pidgeon and her co-stars formed a real band, with some learning to play instruments for the first time. Pidgeon mastered the tambourine, admitting that it is more challenging than it appears.
Pidgeon takes on the lead vocals for “Bright,” a standout track by former Arcade Fire member Will Butler. She is also featured on other songs and musical snippets throughout the play.
Butler commends the cast for pushing beyond their comfort zones: “Having Sara Pidgeon sing a song she just learned and discovering her own voice is truly special.”
Following her Broadway debut, Tony nomination, and cast album recording, Pidgeon is uncertain about her next steps. “In this career, anything is possible, and I have no idea what the future holds,” she muses. “Whatever comes after this project, it will be tough to surpass this experience.”
The Tony Awards ceremony will take place on June 16.
Mark Kennedy can be found at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits
