Everett, Wash.
Published: Friday, July 6, 2007

Village Theatre stages striking, rockin' 'Tommy'

By Patty Tackaberry, Special to The Herald

 EVERETT - Aging hippies, as well as whole new legions of "Who" fans, flocked to the Performing Arts Center last Friday evening as the Village Theatre, opening its production of "The Who's Tommy," invited Everett to rock out.

For those who weren't quite as young as they used to be, there were free ear plugs available - next to the pinball machines in the lobby.

Under the direction of Brian Yorkey, Village Theatre has brought its sterling version of "Tommy" into the 21st century by adding a new plot frame at the start of the show. This production features a skateboarder, face hidden by his hooded sweatshirt, discovering an old turntable and stack of 331/3 long-playing albums. Initially unable to fathom what to do with these ancient relics, he tosses a record like a Frisbee. But when he does manage to play the disc, the house erupts with The Who's familiar drum beats and chord progressions.

When "Tommy" premiered in 1969, it pushed the envelope of rock and roll. Soon, "concept album" and "rock opera" had been added to the pop music lexicon.

"Tommy" presents the story of a boy whose childhood traumas cause him to so fully retreat into a catatonic state that he is seemingly rendered deaf, dumb and blind. His parents try any number of psychiatric cures, to no avail. The boy's ultimate social withdrawal becomes a '60s metaphor for defying authority, dropping out of mainstream culture and setting oneself apart.

What sets Tommy apart are his uncanny talents in front of a pinball machine. As the "pinball wizard," Tommy achieves near-Messiah status, at least in the world of mods and rockers. Along the way, he also has some profound observations to make about the fickle nature of hero worship and fame.

Michael K. Lee, whose Broadway credits include work in "Miss Saigon" and "Rent," brings a powerful singing voice to the title role, especially in numbers like "See Me, Feel Me," "I'm Free" and "Listening to You."

The cast is rounded out with other fine performances by Brandon O'Neill as Captain Walker; Catherine Carpenter Cox as Mrs. Walker; Matt Wolfe as Uncle Ernie; Lisa Estridge as The Gypsy (who is particularly effective in her number "The Acid Queen"); Zachary Robinson as 4-year-old Tommy; and Bryan Sevener as 10-year old Tommy.

Kathryn Van Meter's choreography reaches its zenith in the number "Pinball Wizard," which gives the ensemble free vocal rein as well.

Under conductor and musical director Tim Symons, the live band is outstanding throughout. Members include Symons, Joseph Tancioco and David Close on keyboards; David McBride on French horn and keyboard; John High, Greg Fulton and Mike Muir on guitar; Dave Pascal on bass; James "Rif" Reif and Alec Wilmart on drums.

Stunning visual effects are included via Alex Berry's design. There are powerful photo montage and video images that include aerial views of London during the Blitz and gritty black and white photos that suggest British working class neighborhoods and flats of the post-war era.

In the final number, "Listening to You," the show pays homage to rock and roll's icons and idols, many of them now departed, as large black-and-white photos of them flash on a screen in rapid succession. There they are: Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, Elton John, Janis Joplin, to name just a few.

Jay Koh photo for Village Theatre

Bryan Sevener (10-year-old Tommy), Michael K. Lee (Tommy), and Zachary Robinson (4-year-old Tommy) in "The Who's Tommy" at Village Theatre.

Review

"The Who's Tommy": Village Theatre production through July 15, Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave., Everett; $22 to $44; 425-257-8600, 888-257-3722, www.villagetheatre.org.
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA