The Who's TOMMY
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May 11—June 10, 2006
Free preview May 10th 8 pm
Thursdays (Pay-What-You-Can)
Fridays
Saturdays
8 pm
at Liberty Hall 311 N Ivy, Portland, OR 97227
$20 General Admission (cash/check at the door)
RESERVATIONS/INFO: 503-502-8261
(reservations are only good until 7:45 the night of the show!)
BE FOREWARNED...Some lucky audience members will get to be on couches during the show which WILL BE ROLLED BY THE ACTORS TO DIFFERENT LOCATIONS FOR DIFFERENT SCENES
ALSO: wear layers and loose clothing (it may be hot!)
Director: Ravyn Jazper-Hawke (former VJ and Tribe Member of “Hair”)
Music Director: DeLonde Bell (Jesus from “Jesus Christ Superstar”)
Choreographer: Anna Soderberg (Director of “Hair” & “Jesus Christ Superstar”)
Stage Manager: Kimberly Neal (Esha from “Jesus Christ Superstar”)
BAND:
Delonde Bell—Guitar
Libby Roach-Guitar
Dallas Huber—Bass
B.J. Castleman—Keyboards
Rick Homer—Mellophone
Dan Dragon—Drums
STARRING:
Alex Hetlinger
Ashly Will - MRS. WALKER
Carrie Meech
Dallas Bryant
Hans Eleveld
Helena Greathouse
Ian Anderson-Priddy - COUSIN KEVIN
Ira Kortum - UNCLE ERNIE
Jeff Gardner
Jeff Quigley - YOUNG TOMMY
Julie Gliniany
Laura Gholson
Mariah Anderson
Morgan Powell - SALLY SIMPSON
Redge McGee
Rian Turner
Royal Hebert - MR. WALKER
Sylvia Huq - THE LOVER
Tammi Ziola
Tiger Fifer - THE ACID QUEEN
Tom Abbott
Zac McCoy - TOMMY/NARRATOR
CLICK HERE FOR CAST BIOS!.
When "Tommy" opened on Broadway in 1993 and received five Tony Awards, six Drama Desk Awards and three Outer Critics Circle Awards. Originating as a Rock Opera written by Pete Townshend and performed and recorded by The Who in 1969, it became a best-selling album and an all time rock classic. It has been performed in concert, as a ballet and transformed into a not-very-successful movie. Reinvented with additional new songs by Pete Townshend and a book by Townshend and Des McAnuff, "Tommy" is a triumphant marriage of Musical Theater and Rock n' Roll. If you are old enough to know any of this music then you'll remember the hits, "Pinball Wizard", "Listening to You" and "Sensation". And if you're not, rest assured that the score is comprised of one catchy melody after another and impossible not to like.
The story of "Tommy" is the parable-like tale of Tommy Walker: born while his father, a paratrooper, is captured by the Nazis during World War II. Receiving word that her husband is dead, Tommy's young mother consoles herself with a new boyfriend. But at war's end her husband unexpectedly returns home. There is a fight and the boyfriend is killed. Four-year old Tommy, witnessing the murder, is completely traumatized, becoming deaf, dumb and blind. His parents try doctor after doctor, but to no avail. Cruelly treated by his cousin and abused by his uncle, Tommy's only solace is staring into a mirror at his reflection and playing pinball. Tommy becomes such a Master at the game that he's no longer ridiculed for his handicaps. But his parents never give up hope of finding a cure for their son. They turn from conventional medicine to superstition and the father lets the Gypsy Acid Queen take his son for a night in hopes of his recovery. None is forthcoming and in desperation Tommy's mother smashes the mirror into which he continually stares, jolting him back into the real world. Tommy is immediately, miraculously cured. He becomes a media phenomenon and cult hero. People start to follow Tommy. He holds mass rallies and starts a camp. But he soon realizes the pitfalls of the "Cult of Celebrity" and relinquishes his role as Guru-Pop Star. He goes home and forgives his family for their failings, inviting the audience to do the same.
Fun and funky rehearsal photos with special thanks to Delonde and Kim!!!
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