Fame and forgiveness are on the horizon for Robert Markus as Tommy (centre) with spunky ensemble members buffing the musical in all the far reaching places.
Stadium Rock Appeal
Anyone who has ever argued that dated rock operas trying to demonstrate relevance on the contemporary stage is a complete waste of time can officially book the penthouse suite at Hotel We Told You So. Director Des McAnuff’s return to the piece he wrote for the medium shows that a high tech magical spin on postmodern era themes is all that’s needed to captivate.
Tommy, without debate, is one of those rare theatre experiences illustrating the power of musical innovation when used as a backdrop to present day headlines such as sexual abuse and celebrity pitfalls.
Which is not mapped out exactly as the 1975 cinematic offering that wowed moviegoers but remains true to the journey of an autism struck ‘deaf, dumb, and blind kid’ who sure plays a mean pinball. Told almost entirely through song, the production at times feels like a stadium rock concert with visual highs planted throughout the show.
If Robert Markus (Tommy) is the rock of the show, Jeremy Kushier (Captain Walker) is definitely the roll. The male lead is responsible for the production’s good vibrations while the father figure ensures lasting sensations reminiscent to his contributions in theToronto staging of Jersey Boys.
There’s not a single gutter ball moment to be found with the only real threat to tilting this musical game is a tight budget lack of prep time getting Tommy to opening night. Neither were remote risks facing the Stratford Festival thereby ensuring that audiences observe the vivid inner child healing process through such songs as ‘See Me, Feel Me’ and “I’m Free.’
Review by Jonathan O’Neil
TOMMY
Book by Des McAnuff
Oct. 19 – May 20, 2013.
Avon Theatre
Stratford, ON
Tickets $36.00-$109.25
1-800-567-1600
www.stratfordfestival.ca
CAST
Kira Guloien, Jeremy Kushnier
Steve Ross, Larry Herbert
Monique Lund, Keely Hutton
Matthew G. Brown, Nicholas Nesbitt
Gabriel Antonacci, Matthre Armet
Shaun Alexnader Hauk, Arden Couturier
Adrienne Enns, Robert Markus
Lee Siegel, Connor Bergauer
Joshua Buchwald, Paul Nolan
Julia Juhas, Jewelle Blackman
Jennifer Rider Shaw
DIRECTOR
Des McAnuff
