Julia Murney Stars in Lyric's The Who's TOMMY 2/5-2/21

Lyric Theatre, Oklahoma's premiere professional theatre company, opens the 2009 "Lyric at the Plaza" season with The Who's Tommy, playing from February 5th through 21st. Produced in collaboration with the University of Oklahoma's Weitzenhoffer Department of Musical Theatre, this production of Tommy blends young Oklahoma talent with the experience and polish of exceptional Broadway performers.

Tommy, the stunning stage adaptation of the 1969 rock opera by the legendary British rock group, The Who, made history in 1993 when it opened on Broadway and brought authentic rock music into the musical theatre realm. The Who's Pete Townshend played a vital part in the creation of the show, staying true to the album's identity as a rock and roll piece, while simultaneously allowing actors to fully develop its drama and bring the emotionally raw and moving story to a final conclusion of reconciliation and forgiveness.

Tommy, the hero of the show, is shocked into a catatonic state at the age of four after witnessing a tragic family accident, causing his guilt-stricken parents to search in vain for a cure. Tommy eventually finds celebrity and later triumph when he becomes an international pinball superstar, but is then forced to deal with the realities of his family relationships and of the world around him. A Tony Award winner for Best Original Score, Tommy offers the exhilaration inherent in the Who's famous album, along with dazzling technical effects and powerful performances.

Acclaimed actress Julia Murney, who starred as Elphaba in the hit Broadway production Wicked, joins the Lyric cast of Tommy as Mrs. Walker, the young mother struggling with her son's troubled condition. The role of her husband Captain Walker is played by Matt Farnsworth, who understudied the role in the original Broadway production and who has also appeared on Broadway in Cats, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and most recently, Curtains. Marcus Neville, who originated the Broadway role of Harold Nichols in The Full Monty, performs in Tommy as the sinister Uncle Ernie. The role of Tommy himself will be portrayed by British actor Jon Fletcher.

They will perform alongside twenty-one students currently studying at the University of Oklahoma's Weitzenhoffer Department of Musical Theatre. Among them, Emily Luhrs plays the supporting role of Sally Simpson, one of Tommy's star-struck fans; Kristina Love portrays the Acid Queen, a gypsy who claims to have the power to heal Tommy; and Jason Graurerholz plays the part of Cousin Kevin, one of Tommy's childhood bullies. Lyric Theatre is pleased to offer this opportunity for mentorship and collaboration between experienced artists and performers who are just getting started in perfecting their craft.

The Who's Tommy also marks the Lyric directorial debut of new Artistic Director Nick Corley (Broadway: Mary Poppins, A Christmas Carol, She Loves Me). Keith Levenson is Musical Director, and Amy Reynolds-Reed is Choreographer.

Tickets for The Who's Tommy are $40. Senior discounts (ages 65+), Group discounts (10+), and Student discounts are also available. Students can also take advantage of Lyric's Student Rush tickets, which can be purchased for $15, ½ hour before show time with ID. Performances are February 5th through 21st: Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 2:00pm & 8:00pm. For tickets: www.lyrictheatreokc.com, (405) 524-9312, or in person at 1727 NW 16th St, Oklahoma City, OK.

In Oklahoma City, the renovation and opening of Plaza Theatre means that audiences can look forward to a world-class theatrical experience, complete with free accessible parking, ultra-comfortable seating, and a full service cash bar. Drinks are even allowed inside the theatre as the audience takes in the performance. The 2009 "Lyric at the Plaza" season continues in March with Woody Sez: The Words, Music, & Spirit of Woody Guthrie and concludes in May with Steel Magnolias. Lyric will continue to produce its annual summer season at downtown Oklahoma City's Civic Center Music Hall, beginning in June with Disney's High School Musical 2.

Photo 1: Jon Fletcher, Matt Farnsworth, Julia Murney, and Marcus Neville.
Photo 2: Julia Murney and Jon Fletcher
Photos by Wendy Mutz