|
September 2, 2004
Mesa State Theatre Presents the Rock Opera "TOMMY"
Grand Junction, CO - Mesa State College is proud to present
the regional premiere of the rock opera "TOMMY" by "The
Who." The show is the Broadway sensation based on one of the
most popular rock albums of all time. "TOMMY" will be
performed at 7:30 p.m. on September 30, October 1, 2, 7, 8, and
9, and at 2:00 p.m. on October 10, 2004. Performances take place
in the William S. Robinson Theatre, Moss Performing Arts Center,
Mesa State College, 1231 North 12th Street, Grand Junction. Tickets
are $14 Adult, $12 Senior, $5 Student, with discounts for season
ticket holders. Please note, TOMMY contains adult content. For information,
call (970) 248-1604.
The rock opera "TOMMY" holds a solid position in pop culture.
With its story of "the deaf, dumb and blind kid" who "sure
plays a mean pinball," the show is a high-energy feast of sights
and sounds for audiences of all generations. The Mesa State production
features a multi-media presentation style, utilizing projections
from the original Broadway production to achieve a spectacular audio-visual
experience. "TOMMY" contains some of "The Who's"
best known songs including "Pinball Wizard" and "Acid
Queen." Music and lyrics are by Pete Townshend, with book by
Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff, and additional music by John Entwistle
and Keith Moon.
"TOMMY's" story begins in post- World War II England.
When young Tommy Walker witnesses his mother's lover's death at
the hands of his father, the experience causes an irreversible trauma,
robbing the boy of his sight, hearing and speech. With a heightened
sense of touch, Tommy becomes an amazing "Pinball Wizard."
The unexpected ability causes an adulation normally reserved for
rock stars, and Tommy is elevated to the status of spiritual leader.
As time progresses, Tommy's repressed memories are revealed as he
is "seen, felt, touched and healed" by his followers.
From then on Tommy tries to become more human, while everyone else
tries to be more like Tommy.
Directing "TOMMY" for Mesa State College is Assistant
Professor of Theatre, Richard R. Cowden. Sceneography is by Department
Head David M. Cox. Costumes are by Associate Theatre Professor Heather
Waggoner. Dance choreography is by Assistant Professor of Dance,
Tony Coppola. Music direction is by Music Professor Dr. Jack Delmore.
Landen Manning Jones stars as adult Tommy, with Corey Wright and
Melanie Horton playing Mr. and Mrs. Walker, respectively. Actors
Jones, Wright and Horton are all students of the theatre program
at Mesa State. Playing the part of Tommy at four years of age is
Molly Cowden (daughter of director Richard Cowden). Playing Tommy
at ten years of age is freshman theatre major Chris Coon.
Other cast members include Mesa State students Kaarina Aalto, Joe
Beaman, Calah Beck, Steve Benton, Brandyn Brittingham, Logan Cannon,
Gabe Congdon, Miranda R. Ellinwood, Parke Fech, Jason Green, Jessica
Hanson, Andrea Holt, Jesse Iacovetto, Adam Kopfman, Amanda LaFantasie,
James Lee, Rachel Lissauer, Jarod Neelan, Kimberlee Nanda, and Rachael
Weinstein.
When "The Who" first released their seminal concept album
in 1969, "TOMMY" rose to fourth place in the US (staying
on the charts for 47 weeks) and second place in the UK. "The
Who" spent the next year performing "TOMMY" on the
road, including the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. It
was the first time a rock group ever performed at the Met. Eventually,
the music's popularity spawned a movie and even a ballet. In 1992,
Tommy found a place on Broadway, winning five Tony Awards in 1993.
Following the run of "TOMMY," Mesa State Theatre will
present three additional shows. The modern comedy 'WHOSE LIFE IS
IT ANYWAY?" plays November 18, 19, and 20, 2004. The Gilbert
and Sullivan operetta "IOLANTHE" plays February 17, 18,
and 19, 2005. The Shakespearian comedy "AS YOU LIKE IT"
plays April 14, 15, and 16, 2005. Discounted season tickets are
available until October 10, 2004. For more information, call 970-248-1604
or visit www.mesastate.edu.
###
|
