Fresh from Broadway, the ’70s rock opera Tommy tells the story of the “Pinball Wizard” and  his search for human contact. With UGA’s interactive performance laboratory, the next University Theatre production, directed by the drama department’s Mark Monday, will use the latest computer technology to create a theatrical experience that is part Broadway musical and part rock concert.
Tommy is sung in its entirety to music created by one of the greatest bands in rock ’n’ roll history. The production is a rock ’n’ roll show that plays simultaneously with the life story of Tommy Walker, the “deaf, dumb and blind kid that sure plays a mean pinball.” Along with all the bells and whistles of moving set pieces, fog machines and giant pinball backboards, 35 actors work as an ensemble to tell the story of a boy traumatized at an early age who goes on to fame, fortune and beyond. This rock opera was first performed by the Who in 1969, and was originally conceived by Peter Townsend and Kit Lambert with contributions to the development by John Entwistle, Keith Mood and Roger Daltrey. UGA’s production works to re-create that rock ’n’ roll atmosphere with concert lighting, flashy costumes and a live band that takes center stage.
The performance will incorporate music, singing, dancing and lots of theatrical technology, making not just an event, but a spectacle.
Tommy will be presented in the Fine Arts Theatre on April 11-14 and 17-21 at 8 p.m. and April 15 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for regular admission and $12 for students and are on sale at the University Theatre box office, located in the lobby of the Fine Arts Building. Box office hours are noon-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. During those hours, the box office can be reached at 542-2838. Tickets will also be available one hour prior to showtime.
|
|
