Fans of the Who should enjoy this rock musical, which features some of the band’s hit songs including “Pinball Wizard,” “Amazing Journey” and “Twenty-One.”
DeBaun, which is known for its fantastic musical productions, such as this fall’s “The Secret Garden” presents their latest conception.
The show was first performed by the Who in 1969 and was originally conceived by Peter Townsend and Kit Lambert. John Entwistle, Keith Moon, and Roger Daltrey contributed to the development.
The musical, which opened last weekend will be performed at DeBaun Auditorium in Hoboken this weekend and next.
A hard life
Set against the somber backdrop of World War II, the show opens up with engagement and quick marriage of the Walkers. Shortly after their nuptials, Captain Walker (played by Phil Haas) goes to war, leaving a pregnant Mrs. Walker (played by Bridget E. Dunn) to give birth to their son Tommy alone.
Soon after, she receives word that her husband was killed in the line of duty – only the soldiers are mistaken because her husband is really in a POW camp.
Captain Walker is acquitted, not knowing that his true test will be repairing the damage done to his son.
________
Time goes by and Tommy is now four and Mrs. Walker is newly involved with a lover.
She accepts a new proposal for marriage only to have her husband return home to surprise the young lovers. A fight breaks out and Captain Walker accidentally shoots and kills the lover. Amid the police investigation, the Walkers realize that their young son might have witnessed the shooting.
Captain Walker is acquitted, not knowing that his true test will be repairing the damage done to his son.
See him
Tommy grows up deaf, dumb, and blind as a result of the accident only to be treated worse at the hands of his family. He is molested by his twisted Uncle Ernie (played by Ricky Dain Jones) and tortured by his cousin Kevin (played by Noah Brendemuehl). The Walkers continue to seek treatment for Tommy who is unresponsive.
A break through comes when the boy is brought to an arcade and proves to be an amazing pinball player. The family is hopeful until they realize that he is responding to the sounds but still remains uncommunicative.
Yet all is not grim in this sad story. Mrs. Walker at her wit’s end releases her son from his illness when she smashes Tommy’s mirror.
The grownup Tommy (played by Jose Candelaria) wakes up and sings “I’m free.” Tommy is touted as a miracle cure and is hailed by his many fans.
Cast and crew
This is the first production at DeBaun for Candelaria who plays Tommy and one listen to his smooth voice and its clear why he was chosen. Hudson County resident Candelaria was a finalist last season on American Idol and previously appeared in the musicals A Chorus Line and Aida.
Returning DeBaun alum Dunn is charming as Mrs. Walker. Jones, who plays the creepy Uncle Ernie, shows his talents as he is able to engage the audience even while playing a difficult role.
Other members of the ensemble cast include: Christopher Ayres, Brendan Joel Bartlett, Emily Beatty, Keith Berg, Jenny Fersch, Erin Flanagan, Robert Gonzales Jr., Samantha Gutterman, Erin M. Kenny, Liza Miller, Fred Mursch, Liza Poor, Elysia Segal, Nicole Spano, Joey Taranto, Camberley Torres, Adena Weisholtz and Laura Yoder.
The show was directed by the talented Billy Mitchell, who directed last year’s hit “Seussical.” Liz Gerbi, who was also involved in “Seussical” is the musical director. Other crewmembers include: Michael Chladil, Matthew J. Fick, Jennifer Jacoby, Sean McClafferty, Peter Mussared, and Heather Wahl.
And…
“The Who’s Tommy” runs this weekend and next at DeBaun, 5th and Hudson streets in Hoboken. Performances are on (Friday/Saturday) February 20, 21, 27, and 28 at 8 p.m. There are two matinees on Sunday, Feb. 22 and March 1 at 3 p.m.
Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for students/seniors, and $15 for children. Parental discretion is advised as not all material is suitable for children. For more information visit: www.DeBaun.org.
Diana Schwaeble may be reached atcurrent@hudsonreporter.com.