Theater Review: 'Almost Famous' at A.C.T. of Connecticut

A Contemporary Theatre (A.C.T.) of Connecticut is launching a reimagined production of “Almost Famous The Musical.” The musical includes music and lyrics by Tom Kitt and book and lyrics by Cameron Crowe. Daniel C. Levine directs the production.

Crowe wrote the beloved, semi-autographical Paramount Pictures and Columbia Pictures film. For more than a year, Levine has been “living and breathing ‘Almost Famous’--preparing to bring this extraordinary story to life in a way that feels both intimate and electric.” Over the past months, he has worked closely with the original creators to rework the musical for the A.C.T. stage and deems it a profound honor to have been entrusted with the next chapter in the life of their work.

This “love letter to rock and roll, community, and to the feeling of being a fan” follows a very “young aspiring journalist thrust into the chaotic, seductive worlds of 1970s rock.” For this production, the team looks at the piece with fresh eyes, “creating a version that is both deeply personal and boldly forward-looking.” This run marks a most important step toward the creation of the final, licensable version that theaters across the country will one day be able to produce.

Best I could tell, the musical sticks closely to the film version of Crowe’s story, with musical theater touches of course. It also struck me as if the director had succeeded in what he set out to accomplish with the script.

Levine puts the ensemble onstage, like a modern Greek Chorus, embodying “the music, memory and unseen ‘spirits’ that hover around the world of the play.” To that end, Kitt wrote a new song for this version, “The Spirits Are Still Here.”

Michael Fabisch has the perfect look for the 15-year-old William Miller, perfectly bringing the young reporter to life. Fabisch, who played the titular role in the most recent tour of ‘“Dear Evan Hansen” gets to sing “No Friends” and “Lost in New York.”

Equity member Anika Larsen reprises the role of William’s mother Elaine. Larsen performed on Broadway in “Almost Famous” and got a Tony nom for “Beautiful.”

Tess Marshall, an Equity member, shines in the role of lead groupie Penny Lane in her signature coat. Marshall is the longest-running cast member of the Off-Broadway hit “Titanique.”

Ella Perez takes on the role of William’s older sister Anita, as well as Allison. Perez played Babe in the “The Cher Show” national tour.

Equity member Chris Cherin portrays Stillwater’s lead singer Jeff Bebe and NYU Tisch grad Jack Rasmussen plays the rock band’s lead guitarist Russell Hammond. Equity’s Caleb Hartsfield, who was a lead guitarist on the Disney Wish, plays guitar in the role of Larry Fellows and Trevor Bunce is funny as Silent Ed in his A.C.T. debut.

Equity member Liam Fennecken (Lonny in “Rock of Ages”) returns to A.C.T to fully embody the role of Dick Roswell. Multi-instrumentalist Eric May Liu, a Jimmy Awards alum, covers the roles of Freddy, David, Aaron, Pilot, Reg and Doctor.

The Band Aids, groupies of the band, include Equity’s Julia Cassandra as Estrella Star (in her fourth iteration of “Almost Famous,”) SJ Nelson as Sappharie Sensimilla, and Kendall Becerra, who won the Jimmy Award in 2022, as Polexia Aphrodesia.

Equity performer Shaylen Harger (Dawn in “Waitress”) opens the show in the role of Alice Wisdom and then takes on the role of the ex-ex Leslie. Chris Marth plays the rock journalist Lester Bangs and Red Dog. Kevin Trinio Perdido, an Equity member who made his Broadway debut in “Almost Famous,” plays Rolling Stone editor Ben Fong-Torres and Darryl.

Andrew “Andi” Maroney plays Vic Nettles and Dale Obermark, who played Drew in “Rock of Ages,” cover the roles of professional manager Dennis Hope, Marlon, and the Busking Student. Almost all of the supporting players form the impressive ensemble who harmonize so well that I wished they had more chances to do so. The swings include Raul Calderon and Jillian Millette.

There are a dozen songs from the era that will appeal to those of us who grew up in the 70s, including “Highway Star,” “Simple Man,” “Tiny Dancer” and my personal favorite Led Zep’s “Ramble On.”

Music director Nicholas Connors conducts the rockin’ band on keyboard one who is prominently seated on the platform at the back of the stage. Bryan Perri, the music supervisor, told me that he was happy to be able to have three guitar players in the band. Kitt did the orchestrations and arrangements of the music. Perri returns as music supervisor after working on the original Broadway production. There is some fun choreography by Jessica Chen.

Scenic designer David Goldstein has created a set that fits the space and actually expands the area with scaffolding on three sides. Mixed with the rotating portion of the stage and the projections designed by Camilla Tassi, there is more than the suggestion of movement for several scenes, especially the band bus “Doris.” It effectively adds to the look.

Costumes designed by Leslie Bernstein are spot on for the early 70s. Wig and hair designer has provided excellent pieces that reflect how groupies did their hair. Lighting designer Charlie Morrison works magic for many of the scenes. Sound designer Shannon Slaton balances everything well.

“Almost Famous” is presented with a PG-13 rating. It contains very mature themes, including sexual situations and strong language. Parental discretion is advised. The show runs approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes with one 15 minute intermission.

Performances run through Nov. 23.

All photos courtesy of A.C.T of CT