Broadway's Tony-winning rock opera, The Who's Tommy, invaded Toronto early this year, occupying the Elgin Theater and supplying downtown with an oversized wall painted with the familiar yellow and black theme. To give you an idea, it's about the length of a city block and more than five stories high. Those of you in Buffalo might be able to spot this from your apartment windows!
The first Canadian performance was done by Les Grands Canadiens Ballet in Montreal many years ago. This new production boasts an energetic, all-Canadian cast led by a rising new star named Tyley Ross. Under the direction of Des McAnuff (Big River) and choreographed by Wayne Cilento (A Chorus Line), Tommy opened to rave reviews and an enthusiastic public -- with good reason. The show is, in every way, similar to its Broadway counterpart, unlike the touring production, where some minor technical ele ments, such as Capt. Walker's dramatic, mid-air suspension and Tommy's somersault, were eliminated.
Pete Townshend's award-winning score brings back The Who's popular 60's rock n' roll in a polished, more theatrical version without losing its original appeal. The powerfully haunting yet simple "See me, Feel me" and "Listening To You" are better than ever, gloriously sung by Ross clad in the trademark school-boy white garb. It's certainly hard to believe this Ottawa native's only other musical-theater experiences were from Forever Plaid and as the understudy of Chris in Miss Saigon. The entire supporting cast also deliver a very solid performance worthy of the astonished reactions from Townshend and McAnuff on opening night.
Catch this superb Canadian product slated to become North America's only production of Tommy when the show closes on Broadway in the fall.
