CLTC Presents THE WHO'S TOMMY 7/16 Through 8/23

City Lights Theater Company of San Jose proudly presents the epic rock musical THE WHO'S TOMMY by Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff. The production previews on Thursday, July 16th and Friday, July 17th, 2009, with the Gala Opening Performance on Saturday, July 18th, 2009. A post-show discussion will be held on Sunday, July 26th. The production is scheduled to run through August 23rd, 2009. Directed by Kit Wilder.

Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm, Sunday Evenings at 7 pm (July 26 & August 2), Sunday Matinees at 2 pm (August 9, 16 & 23). Additional Wednesday Performances at 8 pm (July 29, August 5, 12, & 19). Run time is 2 hours, 30 minutes with one intermission. General Admission Tickets $30. Student, Educator, Senior and Group Discounts Available (Subject to availability, excludes Gala & Preview). Wheelchair Accessible.

At the City Lights Theater Company, 529 South Second St., San Jose, CA 95112. For more information, call the box office at (408) 295-4200 or visit www.cltc.org.

Young Tommy is stricken deaf, dumb, and blind, and is deemed "incurable" by the medical sciences. Subsequently the victim of neglect and abuse, Tommy finds solace and triumph in his one true ability: playing pinball. When at last his mother "miraculously" cures him, Tommy becomes a cult icon, famous for his pinball skills and his "miraculous" recovery. But is the price of fame too high?

KIT WILDER holds a B.A. from Santa Clara University and has directed, choreographed, designed, written, and performed in many productions in the Bay Area and other regional theatres. He has taught master classes in acting, stage combat, Shakespeare, and musical theatre at high schools, universities, theatre companies and festivals throughout the western United States. He is the current Associate Artistic Director and Production Manager at City Lights.

THE CAST features Isaac Benelli (THE THREE MUSKETEERS, RAPUNZEL) as Tommy, a young man who is stricken "deaf, dumb, and blind" after a traumatic event he witnesses as a small boy, played by young City Lights newcomer Nicolas Sancen. Thinking that her husband Captain Walker, Michael Rhone in his City Lights debut, has been killed in the war, Tommy's mother, played by Molly Thornton (THE FULL MONTY, LYSISTRATA), takes a Lover, played by Noel Carey (HAIR). Captain Walker unexpectedly returns home and murders his wife's lover in a jealous rage while his young soon looks on in the reflection of a mirror. Plunged into a catatonic state, Tommy is deemed incurable by the medical community and is subsequently preyed on and abused by his Uncle Ernie, City Lights newcomer John Duarte, Cousin Kevin, played by Jason Arias (ANGELS IN AMERICA: MILLENNIUM APPROACHES & PERESTROIKA) and a local prostitute known as The Gypsy, played by Raegena Raymond (WISE WOMEN, LYSISTRATA). After his mother inadvertently cures him, teen-aged Tommy becomes an adored celebrity, but the cost of fame and the attentions of obsessed fans, notably Sally Simpson, played by Cynthia Zitter in her City Lights debut, may be too high.

City Lights recognizes its donors, without whom this production would not be possible. THE WHO'S TOMMY is supported as a part of City Lights 2008-2009 Season by Arts Council Silicon Valley, the City of San Jose, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, and by the contributions of many generous individuals.

City Lights Theater Company of San Jose's production of THE WHO'S TOMMY celebrates the 40th anniversary of the original album's release-performances are already selling out! The production is scheduled to run through August 23rd, 2009. Please call the City Lights Box Office at 408-295-4200 for tickets or more information.

To post a comment, you must register and login.