THE WHO'S TOMMY is a rock musical with music and lyrics by Pete Townshend and book by Townshend and Des McAnuff, based on The Who's 1969 rock opera Tommy. There are several plot differences between the album, the film, and the stage production, though the general storyline is largely the same. The biggest difference in the story is the new finale, which was rewritten in 1993. Originally, Tommy instructs his followers to become deaf, dumb, and blind themselves in order to achieve enlightenment. In the 1993 rewrite, Tommy instructs them to not emulate him, but to live their own lives. In both versions, the crowd rejects both him and his message. Inspiration for the stage show came from the 1969 concept album, Tommy by The Who. It was the first album ever billed as a rock opera. The album has sold over 20 million copies worldwide and, before becoming a stage musical, it was also the basis for an all star recording that paved the way for the 1975 film of the same name. It first premiered on Broadway in 1993. Acclaimed director, Des McAnuff, and Pete Townshend sculpted the concept album into a stage show that won five Tony Awards including Best Original Score.
Ending the sizzlin' (and a little damp) 2018 season, City Theatre Austin is thrilled to present The Who's Tommy. This five-time Tony Award-winning show is a high-energy, one-of-a-kind theatrical event and features an exhilarating score that has made it a smash-hit around the world. The production runs three more weeks at City Theatre, September 13 - 30.
Park Avenue Armory presents the North American premiere of two-time Tony- and Olivier Award-winning stage director Ivo van Hove's The Damned. Let's see what the critics had to say...
The Who's 1969 iconic rock concept album comes to life on the stage in a truly unique theatrical event. Deaf, dumb and blind young Tommy overcomes impossible odds to rise to stardom during this high-energy, inspiring and sometimes puzzling adventure about healing and the resiliency of the human spirit.
The Film Society of Lincoln Center and The Museum of Modern Art announce the complete lineup for the 47th annual New Directors/New Films (ND/NF), March 28-April 8. Throughout its rich, nearly half-century history, the festival celebrates filmmakers who represent the present and anticipate the future of cinema, daring artists whose work pushes the envelope in unexpected ways. This year's festival will introduce 25 features and 10 short films to New York audiences.
The 2018 Tanglewood Season, June 15-September 2, is dedicated to the spirit of Leonard Bernstein on the centennial of his birth, with programs celebrating his iconic stature as one of the great artistic figures of the 20th century and his immeasurable contribution to the Tanglewood festival from 1940 to 1990
The Public Theater announced the exciting national and international line-up today for the 14th annual UNDER THE RADAR FESTIVAL, running January 4-15, 2018.
Dare to Defy Productions is excited to present the rarely performed rock opera The Who's Tommy January 12-20 at the Mathile Theatre, located in the Schuster Center.
The Film Society of Lincoln Center Announces The Lost Years of German Cinema: 1949 1963, a 13-film series of under-appreciated and rediscovered gems from the postwar era, November 15-23.
The Film Society of Lincoln Center announces The Lost Years of German Cinema: 1949 1963, a 13-film series of under-appreciated and rediscovered gems from the postwar era, November 15-23.
The Film Society of Lincoln Center Announces The Lost Years of German Cinema: 1949 1963, a 13-film series of under-appreciated and rediscovered gems from the postwar era, November 15-23.
The Public Theater announced the exciting national and international line-up today for the 14th annual UNDER THE RADAR FESTIVAL, running January 4-15, 2018.
The Film Society of Lincoln Center announces The Lost Years of German Cinema: 1949 1963, a 13-film series of under-appreciated and rediscovered gems from the postwar era, November 15-23.
Take Me to the River LIVE, the Memphis Soul and Rhythm & Blues Revue starring Grammy Award-winners William Bell, Charlie Musselwhite and Bobby Rush comes to the McAninch Arts Center (MAC) Sunday, Nov. 5 at 6 p.m. Media sponsor for this event is WDCB, 90.9 FM, Public Radio from College of DuPage.
The works of Neil Simon should come with a warning label: be prepared for a thorough, generous douse of comedy.
Midway through the first act of The Who's Tommy, the young protagonist invites his mates and listeners to ride together on his amazing journey. And truly, Maine State Music Theatre's production of the Pete Townshend/DesMcAnuff musical, seen for two performances only at the Pickard Theater July 31 offers its audience just that - a riveting, often raw, perennially relevant, piercingly beautiful account of a boy's painful but ultimately uplifting journey through the darker side of human experience and into the light.
The rarely staged 1992 musical version based on the 1969 concept album and rock opera with its sung-through score, narrative told largely in dance, and its sometimes disturbing material poses significant challenges to any company, but MSMT once again proves its artistic mettle. Under the inspired direction of Curt Dale Clark, with the complex choreography of Raymond Marc Dumont and the rousing musical direction of Patrick Fanning, this company of young artists marshals its considerable talents to tackle the ambitious project with energy, passion, and complete professionalism.
Almeida Artistic Director Rupert Goold said: 'We are thrilled to present three major new productions at the Almeida, including two world premieres and one rare revival. Spanning the Atlantic and beyond, this season is a timely and limitless interrogation into contemporary cultural anxieties and the power we have over our own lives.'
???????The Film Society of Lincoln Center and African Film Festival, Inc. have joined forces once again, to present the 24th New York African Film Festival, May 3-9.
Gregory Boyd, Artistic Director of the Tony Award-winning Alley Theatre announces eight productions for its 2017-2018 season, including the premiere of three plays developed in the Alley All New Festival.
The Skirball Cultural Center today announced details about its West Coast presentation of Paul Simon: Words & Music, an exhibition originally curated by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
The New York Musical Festival (NYMF) announced today further selections for 2017 NYMF.
Lead songwriter of The Who Pete Townshend has written two new songs exclusively for the touring production of Tommy, produced by the New Wolsey Theatre in co-production with Ramps on the Moon and directed by Kerry Michael. A new version of 'Amazing Journey' will open the show, and after her iconic Act One song Acid Queen, played by original cast member Peter Straker, will make a return in Act Two with a new torch song.
After playing the Narrator in the original West End production in 1979, Peter Straker returns to the iconic rock opera THE WHO'S TOMMY as the Acid Queen.
The Kweskin Theatre will be rocking when The Who's Tommy begins a three-week run on February 2.
The Warner Stage Company will present The Who's TOMMY on the Main Stage February 4-12, 2017. Follow a deaf, dumb and blind boy's journey from pain to triumph is a sensory-defying rock and roll experience.
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