Why Brill’s Tony-Winning Role Led Him to Seek Help

“It’s not about Fleetwood Mac.” Yes, the Tony Award-nominated play “Stereophonic” involves an Anglo-American band of romantically tangled musicians dealing with fame, addiction, heartbreak, and creative differences in the ’70s, but it insists that’s where the similarities end. Playing the self-destructive British bass player Reg, actor Will Brill pulled from his own life rather than iconic figures like Mick or Lindsey.

“There was a very real moment early on when I didn’t know if I could do this show,” Brill revealed in an interview. “I’m divorced, I’m sober, and these are the primary issues that Reg wrestles with.” With some help from his therapist, Brill reached a place “sane enough, happy enough, brave enough” to carry the role to a Tony Award.

Now that the show’s run has been extended, Brill and the Broadway cast are facing similar endurance tests to their fictional band. “The whole cast has been having these really intense meetings with each other,” Brill shared, “and we have never felt more like a band.”

Known to TV audiences for roles in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “The OA,” Brill believes theater’s purpose is “igniting the empathy engine in people.” He also touched on how he landed the role of the 20th century’s most reviled figures and his delight at the fan obsession with “The OA.” “Who else learned all those crazy movements and did them in your living room alone during the pandemic just to feel alive? Us,” he joked.

“Stereophonic” is not a musical but a play that integrates music. It revolves around a band recording an album, delving deep into the challenges of creating art. “It’s about a group of artists creating a piece of art together,” Brill detailed. “On a macro level, it’s about one person and the fights they get in with themselves during the creative process.”

Early interactions with the playwright David Adjmi began Brill’s decade-long journey with Reg. “He had written seven pages of the show and didn’t know me from Adam, but he said, ‘I really think you’re going to be in this at some point,’” Brill recalled. At that time, Brill was drinking heavily and engaged to be married. Fast forward nine years, he’s divorced, sober, and his personal journey mirrors that of Reg.

The actor credits his therapist for enabling him to tackle the role. “There was a very real moment early on when I didn’t know if I could do this show,” Brill confessed. “It was really my therapist and my girlfriend talking me through the pros and cons that allowed me to dive in.”

For this play, the cast had to transform from actors to musicians. “I learned to play the bass,” Brill said. He described how daunting it was to play in front of 800 people every night. Fortunately, under the guidance of teacher Robbie Mangano, Brill managed to make the leap from novice to performer.

The cast’s camaraderie was so intense that they even held meetings to individually address concerns. “We have never felt more like a band,” Brill shared. These challenging discussions brought a level of support and honesty that made the experience incredibly rewarding.

The on-stage studio setup adds an extra level of realism. When the band plays, the audience hears the exact playback of what was recorded live. Brill expressed the special connection they hold for these moments of authenticity.

The play’s music, crafted by Will Butler and supervised in its arrangement by Justin Craig, has become a sensation even outside the theater. Brill proudly shared, “Somehow we are able to play them. It’s just a perfect storm.”

The authenticity of the performance is such that Brill has a bass line featured in the original cast recording—a milestone he never anticipated. The music has resonated with many, with songs catching on Spotify and drawing comparisons to popular hits.

Brill also discussed his time with other character roles, notably as Roy Cohn, a figure entangled in historical controversy. Playing such a notorious character required deep empathy and understanding. “I watched the documentaries and read a biography,” Brill said, stressing the need to see beyond public perception to the personal anguish Cohn experienced.

His empathetic approach to playing complex characters has redefined how he views contemporary figures of power and influence. “You have to put your own personal judgment aside,” he suggested.

Even with these challenges, Brill remains dedicated to New York City. Despite its difficulties, he values the unique opportunities and community it offers. “I am doing the thing that I love most in the world,” he affirmed.

For Brill, both his roles and the city provide a platform for personal and artistic growth. Theatre, with its emotional and social dynamism, remains his foremost passion.

Source: Salon