A Look into the History of The Who's Tommy Musical and its Upcoming Reimagined Production at Chicago's Goodman Theatre

 

A Look into the History of The Who's Tommy Musical and its Upcoming Reimagined Production at Chicago's Goodman Theatre

The Who's Tommy, a groundbreaking and visionary rock opera released in 1969, is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and enduring musical works of all time. The album tells the captivating and emotionally-charged story of a young boy named Tommy Walker, who is left traumatized after a harrowing event and embarks on a transformative journey to regain his senses and emerge as a revered spiritual leader.

In 1993, Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff adapted the album into a stage production, which premiered at the La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego, California. The show was a critical and commercial success, earning five Tony Awards, including Best Original Score and Best Direction of a Musical for McAnuff.

Since then, The Who's Tommy has been staged in various productions around the world, including a Broadway revival in 1995, which featured Michael Cerveris in the lead role. The show has also been adapted into a film and a ballet.

Now, in 2023, Townshend and McAnuff have reunited to reimagine the iconic rock opera for a new generation of audiences. The show will feature classic songs from the original album, along with new staging and direction that highlight Tommy's journey from childhood trauma to spiritual enlightenment.

The reimagined production of The Who's Tommy will be staged at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, with a cast of 28 and a nine-piece band. Ali Louis Bourzgui will star as the titular character, with Lorin Latarro choreographing, Ron Melrose serving as music supervisor and providing additional arrangements, David Korins designing the set, Sarafina Bush designing the costumes, Amanda Zieve designing the lighting, Gareth Owen designing the sound, and Peter Nigrini designing the projections.

Tickets for the production range from $30 to $160 and are available via GoodmanTheatre.org/Tommy or at the Goodman Box Office. This production is sponsored by Northern Trust and Winston & Strawn LLP.

Don't miss this exciting reimagining of The Who's Tommy, one of the most groundbreaking musical works of all time, coming to the Goodman Theatre in Chicago from June 13 to July 23, 2023.

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