Broadway Access Review -
Stereophonic

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ID: image of the Stereophonic Playbill in front of the stage with the text "Access Review" on top

 

General Note

This is a review of the accessibility of the theater, of the lighting/sound/scent design of the show, and a list of content warnings as a way to prep folks with various needs before they go see it. 

This is not meant to scare anyone away from seeing the show. Most productions have about the same amount of content warnings and sensory warnings to go along with it, they’re just rarely explicitly written down. 

For some people, knowing these things ahead of time makes it easier to enjoy the show because they know what to expect. And, often, makes those people more likely to see it in the first place. I hope that it’s helpful!

I am also happy to clarify any specifics, just send me a message or an email and I will respond when I can.

Also please note that I make these while seeing a show for the first time, so I may miss some cues or be slightly off as to their placement/cue line!

Theater

(John Golden Theatre)

All comments on the accessibility of lighting are in reference to seats in the back center mezzanine

Bathrooms: 

  • divided into the binary, though there is a sign that says “Please use the restroom that best fits your gender identity and expression”

  • located downstairs below the orchestra. There is no accessible restroom on the premises

Other theater accessibility:

  • the theater has a step-free entrance to the orchestra

  • there is no elevator

  • they offer assistive listening systems, neck induction loop systems, and audio description and captioning devices

Click here for more information on the accessibility of this theater.

Light/Sound/Scent

General:

  • the stage is divided into two parts, with the back part separated by a glass wall that sometimes causes weird light refraction but it’s not often – also keep in mind that in the back mezzanine (and apparently far side orchestra) you can’t really see the actors when they’re in that back booth

  • there is smoking throughout and you can smell it from the audience, though it wasn’t too bad with my mask on

  • the show runs 3hr5, with Acts I/II lasting nearly 2 hours (it’s divided into Act I/II with III/IV after intermission)

  • I didn’t feel the need to use earplugs, though the music in comparison to the speech was very loud so if I were to do it again I might have them around my neck to put on for the songs (music also has bass/drums that vibrate the ground)

  • there’s a lot of door slamming

  • the sensory experience of this show is somewhat similar to Appropriate

Act I: loud transition with quick light change after Reg says “you dirty rag” in the studio and Holly shuts the door

Act II: quick light/sound change after the band laughs (after the “where’s my drum key” bit

Act III: loud change after the “that was really good” after Diana leaves

Act IV: music gets really loud right at the end when Grover is messing with the board

Content Warnings

  • includes some outdated/harmful language 

  • misogyny

  • includes a lot of arguments & yelling

  • drugs & alcohol - we see them used onstage and we also see intoxicated/high characters