In heeding the advice mentor Lester Bangs gives young music journalist William Miller, the following comments will be “honest and unmerciful.” Fans of the movie “Almost Famous” released twenty-two years ago may have mixed feelings about the musical stage version now playing on Broadway at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. On the one hand, book writer Cameron Crowe has religiously kept to the screenplay which he also wrote, literally transferring scenes verbatim. On the other hand, those scenes, in fact all the scenes are so gratuitously overproduced by director Jeremy Herrin, the story loses its emotional impact. Characters become caricatures, overinflated flying over the top, finding it difficult to be grounded and establish any depth until the last scene, which is a little too late. The result is a mash up of a shallow storyline in a collision with a loud rock concert. This production shines at its best when it is quiet, reflective and ballads take charge of the stage.

An incredibly talented cast has been assembled who uncannily resemble the cast of the movie which at times makes an audience member judge by comparison. Rob Colletti can do no wrong depicting the sarcastic, emboldened veteran music journalist Lester Bangs stealing every scene in which he appears. He is a generous performer. In his Broadway debut Casey Likes instills an innocence and youthfulness into William Miller as he navigates the complexities surrounding his coming of age. His vocals are pure and pleasurable, certainly easy on the ear. Solea Pfeiffer makes an admirable Broadway debut in the role of the legendary “band aide” Penny Lane creating a soothing and sultry character with vocals to match. Battling Stillwater band members, Chris Wood and Drew Gehling turn in convincing performances. Anika Larsen develops a stern, conservative and protective mother playing Elaine Miller.

Director Jeremy Herrin does not manage to cast any new light on the story or characters which results in the production feeling old and tired. Lighting design by Natasha Katz is at its best when in concert mode but otherwise quite standard. Scenic and Video design by Derek McLane gives the feel of an old-fashioned musical. Costumes by David Zinn are spot on, transporting the audience back to the seventies, capturing that old mantra of “Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll.” Choreography by Sarah O’Gleby comes across as more pedestrian than inventive.

The cast makes an honest effort to make the show fun but cannot transcend the poor material they are given. You may chuckle but you won’t laugh, and you may enjoy the music but won’t leave the theatre humming the tunes. I guess in the end “Almost Famous” is almost an enjoyable show!