Stratford TOMMY Sets Guinness World Record With Pinballapalooza

Ramping up the excitement for the new Canadian Stratford Festival revival production of The Who's seminal rock opera TOMMY even more, festivities are just coming to a close for Pinballapalooza 2013 - which turned out to be a successful attempt to break the world record for simultaneous pinball play in one place.

From 9 AM this morning until now, fans and supporters gathered at First Canadian Place in Toronto and took to the rows upon rows of shiny pinball machines set up and played to their heart's content, which was all overseen by official representatives from the Guinness Book Of World Records.

And, the results are now in: the Stratford Festival's TOMMY has emerged victorious!

Yes, indeed - a new world record for pinball playing has been set. Pinballapalooza was a resounding success!

In its Broadway bow, TOMMY was nominated for 10 1993 Tony Awards, winning for Best Score, Choreography, Direction, Scenic and Lighting Design.

The Stratford Festival's production of TOMMY is directed by original Broadway helmer Des McAnuff, who won a Tony for his work on the original production (one of two he won that night). Of course, the musical is based on the classic 1969 double album of the same name, which was also adapted into a film musical by Ken Russell in 1975.

The Stratford Festival's TOMMY stars Robert Markus, Paul Nolan and Jeremy Kushnier. The production is currently in previews and officially opens on May 30, running through October 19.

For more information, visit the official Stratford Festival website here.

Additionally, Pete Townshend will appear with cast members and fellow creative team participants from the revival production on Q Radio tomorrow morning. More information on that appearance is available here.

Check out some photos from the Pinballapalooza event below.

View the video of today's Pinballapalooza below.

Photo Credits: Stratford Festival