Do you know who TOMMY is?
Daddy and I were able to find out, and enjoy the rock opera everyone is talking about, The Who’s TOMMY, at the San Diego Repertory Theater, also known as the Lyceum Theater in Horton Plaza. The Who’s TOMMY was the opening production of the theater’s 36th season! And there is no question as to why they chose it – the show was amazing!
A recent press release, tells us the storyline of this rock opera re-imagined for the 21st century, starring two -time Grammy nominated artist B. Slade — At the age of four, Tommy witnesses his father accidentally kill his mother’s lover. Traumatized by the horror, Tommy turns “blind, deaf and dumb.” His parents try every legal and illegal “cure” without success. Tommy remains unreachable until he discovers an old pinball machine. Tommy becomes a “pinball wizard” and is transformed into a spiritual guru. Tommy’s magical journey from darkness to light is powered by some of the most legendary rock music of all time, including “See Me, Feel Me” and “Pinball Wizard.”
What interested me the most about this production was the collaboration between experienced talent and the talent of those that is still growing. The production of The Who’s TOMMY included a large spectrum of talented individuals from B. Slade to Joshua Vasquez, from the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) who played lead guitar. Let me tell you, this kid is already a rockstar. He played the guitar like an experienced man! Anyway, a huge chunk of the cast and musical performers were from SCPA. I was very impressed and excited to see the Lyceum utilize local and aspiring talent. It was a brilliant idea for Sam Woodhouse, director to incorporate the talent and give our kids a chance to shine and show us what to look forward to.
The production was so colorful and was color blind! It did not discriminate against color, size or anything for that matter. The three different aged Tommy’s were all portrayed by obviously three different races. It was a highlight for me. Another inside tip I received that also impressed me was that the traveling cast, as well as the SCPA students, only had 4 weeks to create chemistry and rehearse for this production. Then again, they are passionate about what they do and learning the moves, the music and the lines so quickly is what they are trained to do.
The Who’s TOMMY starts off in the year 1940 and ends in 1958! I personally was intrigued by the changes in time, mostly in style, from the poodle skirts, to the big hair, the scarves…I have not seen a drastic change in music, fashion, or dance in my near 30 years of life, until I saw this production. B. Slade hit the notes to all of his songs so beautifully.
If there is anything I might have noticed that was a little off to me, it was the choreography. I am a dancer at heart, nowhere near professional, but I love to dance and watch dancers all the same. The choreography, for me, could have been a little more synched, but the beauty of it was that it was imperfect.
On a side note, we did have dinner before the show at California Crisp. Honestly, nothing to rant about – veggie sandwich and a salad – a waste of $16, but at least now we know not to eat there again! I should have known better to check yelp to see that they only had 2 1/3 stars! Nonetheless, it was an experience for our taste buds to say the least.
If you want to find out what all the buzz is about The Who’s TOMMY, and I recommend you should, you have 14 chances starting today to go buy your ticket and check it out for yourself! Here are the showtimes! You can purchase your tickets online on the San Diego Rep’s website here. You will not be disappointed. If anything, you must go to support our local performers!
Wednesday, 8/3/11 7:00PM PDT
Thursday, 8/4/11 8:00PM PDT
Friday, 8/5/11 8:00PM PDT
Saturday, 8/6/11 8:00PM PDT
Sunday, 8/7/11 2:00PM PDT
Sunday, 8/7/11 7:00PM PDT
Wednesday, 8/10/11 7:00PM PDT
Thursday, 8/11/11 8:00PM PDT
Friday, 8/12/11 8:00PM PDT
Saturday, 8/13/11 2:00PM PDT
Saturday, 8/13/11 8:00PM PDT
Sunday, 8/14/11 2:00PM PDT
Sunday, 8/14/11 7:00PM PDT