 Broadview Heights Spotlights Presents a Vocally Powerful Production of The Who's Tommy
Broadview Heights Spotlights Community Theatre Music and Lyrics by: Pete Townshend
Book by: Pete Townshend & Des McAnuff
Additional Music and Lyrics by: John Entwistle & Keith Moon
The classic concept album comes alive on stage at Broadview Heights Spotlights Theatre! The imitable showcase is highlighted by the powerful teen voices that permeate the theatre. Boasting one of the strongest vocal and theatrical development programs in North East Ohio, Ryan Bergeron and Tim Anderson have created a perfect environment for empowerment. Through adept directing and vocal coaching, Anderson and Bergeron are perfect examples of inspiration and instilling hard work.
The musical Tommy tells a harrowing, yet uplifting story. After witnessing the accidental murder of his mother's lover by his father, Tommy is traumatized into catatonia and, as the boy grows, he suffers abuse at the hands of his sadistic relatives and neighbors. As an adolescent, he's discovered to have an uncanny knack for playing pinball and, when his mother finally breaks through his catatonia, he becomes an international pinball superstar. Based on the iconic 1969 rock concept album, The Who's Tommy is an exhilarating story of hope, healing and the human spirit. The story of the pinball-playing, deaf, dumb and blind boy who triumphs over his adversities has inspired, amazed and puzzled audiences for more than 40 years.
This five-time Tony Award-winning musical is a high-energy, one-of-a-kind theatrical event that is having its premiere production in the theatres new, 3200-square foot performance space!
The cast is a virtual whos who of local talent that has honed their skills at Broadview Heights for years. Most of them are ready to invade colleges, but what a joy to see them melt the audiences faces off with fierce vocals.
As Tommy, Dylan Grosh-Hoy is a commanding presence. One of the most talented young men in NE Ohio, Grosh-Hoy is lasered focused on every moment of the story. Supreme confidence, and infectious charm. Adding to his theatrical quiver is a fantastic voice that is both expressive and captivating. Mrs. Waker is adeptly played by Delia Brennan is a beautifully nuanced performance. Saving her belt for the provocative moments, but enhancing the storytelling with controlled precision. Beautifully sung. James Newton serves up some hot pipes at Captain Walker. His Walker is a stoic presence with concealed vulnerability but backed up by a strong and engaging vocal performance. Cousin Kevin comes alive with all the nastiness one would hope for in Nick Bender's performance. Strong vocals and a smart ass demeanor propel the characterization. Cole Tarantowski is a hot mess as Uncle Ernie. Providing a live version of Bernie, from Weekend at Bernie's, Tarantowski has a blast being a disheveled drunk inappropriate disaster. As the Acid Queen Gypsy, Zoe Douglas rips off the ceiling on the new theatre and turns it into a planetarium. Her vocals and controlled sexuality are on full display as she crushes her song with glorious infused chaos. Sally Simpson is brought into fine focus by Molly Molina. Once again, adding vocal power.
The ensemble of Abbey Brinkhoff, Clorise Busch, Nicholas DeAngelis, Kassie Schill, Josh Goodman, Lydia Greer, Mckenna Hassel, Olivia Krafcik, Celie Ostroski, Luke Underation, and Alexa Warmuth provide an engaging background to the story. This is not an easy show to stage. There are lots of orchestrated moments that are filled with action only. However, the ensemble is focused and determined in every moment to tell the story.
Providing the choreography is Maggie Majercik, who works with an ensemble of all levels, and makes them work together in seemless fluid movement. Charlie Jones provides striking and unsettling looks to engage the story. Costumer Charlie Jones is on point creating the costume parade of this wild adventure.
Broadview Heights Spotlights is ready for their closeup. The new theatre space has just opened, and to the delight of many, there are still so many good things on the horizon to continue to improve the theatrical experience the new theatre will provide. Tommy is just the beginning.
So get out to see the show and support this growing and unique theatre. And make sure you drink the lemonade at intermission because something is in the water out there that makes you dazzle when you sing.
Cleveland Stage Alliance
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Ticket Information and Promotional Materials June 20 - June 30 Showtimes: 7:30pm Thursdays 7:30pm Fridays 7:30pm Saturdays 3pm Sundays Content Advisory: Mature Themes, Strong Language $14-$15 Reserved Seating (440) 526-4404 | Location: Broadview Heights Spotlights 9543 Broadview Road Broadview Heights, OH 44147 |