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Spotlight Youth Theatre embarks on musical journey with The Who's 'Tommy'
Comments 0 | Recommend 0Spotlight Youth Theatre follows up its production of “Bye Bye Birdie” with the edgy rock musical The Who’s “Tommy.”
Director Kenny Grossman said audiences shouldn’t expect the show to be exactly like the movie or the original rock opera album. Even though it follows the basic plot, this production leaves out the drug references, child molestation and profane language.
“We’re doing the Broadway production from several years ago, and it’s slightly different from what people know on film and in the album,” he said. “This show is going to be a great, inspiring adventure that has a moral to it with fantastic music.”
Grossman said the musical is very “Broadway” compared to other incarnations. The story follows a “deaf, dumb and blind” boy during the World War II era, who becomes a famous pinball wizard.
The original concept of “Tommy” was introduced as a rock opera album by The Who in 1969. In 1975, the album was adapted into a Hollywood film with Ann Margaret and Tina Turner.
A Broadway version of “Tommy” debuted in 1993, winning five Tony Awards.
The Who’s “Tommy” gives the Glendale youth troupe an opportunity to do something non-traditional. But Grossman said he doesn’t want people think it’s not family-friendly and for all ages.
“No, it’s not like ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ where it’s hysterical and funny throughout,” he said. “There are some intense moments, but there’s a moral and it’s very inspiring in the end.”
The show features a cast of 22 actors, ages 11 to 18.
In addition, elements involving the Gypsy Acid Queen are deleted, though she’s still a prominent character.
Working with Spotlight on this production, Grossman said, is musical director Mark 4man, who won an AriZoni Award for Nearly Naked Theatre’s version a few years ago.
“He’s been really good with the kids and helps them understand the music,” Grossman said. “We hope everyone is ready for an amazing journey we’re about to take them on.”
IF YOU GO
WHAT: The Who’s “Tommy.”
WHEN: Through Nov. 1.
WHERE: Spotlight Youth Theatre, 10620 N. 43rd Ave., Glendale.
TICKETS: $15.
INFO: Call the box office at 623-242-2611 or visit www.spotlightyouththeatre.org.
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