Presented by Open Circle Theatre
The Who’s Tommy
Music and Lyrics by Pete Townshend
Book by Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff
Released in 1969, “Tommy” by The Who was one of the most famous concept albums of the tumultuous 70’s. The stirring and plaintive melodies of the main character – alongside the disturbing and dissonant themes of murder and abuse, healing and messianic delusions, disillusionment and hope – have secured its place in the rock canon as a rock opera.
The character Tommy and his near catatonic state – “that deaf, dumb and blind kid” – was written as a metaphor for Pete Townshend’s childhood and his struggles to deal with fame in his later life. The role of the adult Tommy will be played by Broadway and TV star Russell Harvard.
Open Circle Theatre is Washington DC’s first professional theatre dedicated to producing professional productions that integrate the considerable talents of artists with disabilities.