Minneapolis Musical Theatre
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THE WHO’S TOMMY

Named as one of three Outstanding Musicals of 2005 (smaller theaters) by the Minneapolis Star Tribune!

tommy-3

October 7 – 30, 2005 – Hennepin Stages

Music and Lyrics – Pete Townshend
Book – Pete Townshend & Des McAnuff
Additional Music/Lyrics – John Entwistle & Keith Moon

The classic ’60s rock opera by The Who is transformed into a one-of-a-kind musical smash of the ’90s.  Tommy was just a child when he witnessed his father accidentally kill his mother’s lover. Though the trauma left him deaf, dumb, and blind, he one day discovers his uncanny abilities within the magical world of a pinball machine, breaks free of his constraints and finds his way to international superstardom and – ultimately – back to his family.  Peter Townshend’s tale of a young boy’s journey from pain to triumph is the most electrifying evening of rock and roll ever to play in a theatre!

Director / Choreographer – Steven Meerdink
Musical Director – Suzanne Reyburn

Scenic / Costume Designer – Steven Meerdink
Light Designer – Lee Fiskness
Sound Designer – Tom Bothof
Rehearsal Accompanist – Emily Hanson
Set Construction – Jay Schueller
Stage Manager – Joyce Norman

Cast
Tommy – Patrick Morgan
Mrs. Walker – Karlina Beck
Captain Walker – Tim Kuehl
Uncle Ernie – Christian Unser
Cousin Kevin / Ensemble – Shaun Nathan Baer
Minister’s Wife / Psychiatrist’s Assistant / Ensemble – Lisa Bark
Nurse / Mrs. Simpson / Ensemble – Catherine Battocletti
Pinball Lad / Local Lad / Ensemble – Paul Brekke
Nurse / Talk Show Hostess / Ensemble – Ami Joy Christensen
Minister / Hawker / Specialist / Local Lad / Ensemble – Robbie Droddy
Cousin Kevin’s Mother / Specialist’s Assistant / Ensemble – Emily Brooke Hansen
Officer / Hawker / Local Lad / Ensemble – Jeffrey C. Nelson
10 Year Old Tommy – Andrew Lentz
4 Year Old Tommy – Ethan Maisel
Gypsy / Ensemble – Christine Nelson
Nurse / Sally Simpson / Ensemble – Sondra Norland
Lover / Local Lad / Psychiatrist / Mr. Simpson / Ensemble – Bart Ruf
Pinball Lad / Local Lad / Ensemble – David B. Young

Reviews and Quotes

“Sometimes musical theater can be as simple as picking the right show and putting it into the hands of an eager cast. “The Who’s Tommy,” being staged by Minneapolis Musical Theatre, is a fine case in point…As much fun as it is to listen to “Tommy,” MMT’s cast convinces us that it is equally a blast to perform. Young, energetic and handsome, these actor/singers could not contain their glee as they pounded out Townshend’s familiar finale before a packed house. There was a spirit spreading from the lead singers to the chorines in the back row. They were getting over and they were loving it. “I get excitement at your feet,” indeed…From the opening strains of the “Overture” through “Sensation”, “Pinball Wizard”, “See Me, Feel Me”, and “I’m Free” to that grand closing chorus, this stuff rocks.”  –Minneapolis Star Tribune

“If you could attach a power grid to the Minneapolis Musical Theatre’s cast of “The Who’s Tommy,” there would never be an energy shortage in America…Director and choreographer Steven J. Meerdink couples excitement with a band that really rocks and musical hooks that grab you by the gills…This resurrected “Tommy” is sure to draw lots of new converts for Minneapolis Musical Theatre.”  – St. Paul Pioneer Press