BWW Reviews: TOMMY's Talented Cast Rocks the Stratford Festival

The Stratford Festival's production of TOMMY was arguably one of the most highly anticipated shows of this season. It marks Des McAnuff's return to the festival and to the 'rock musical' genre, and also marks the twentieth anniversary of the original production. With a cast of some of Canada's best and brightest, the show promised to blow the roof off the Avon Theatre and wow the audience with new sights and sounds.

It's no surprise then, that there is much to see, feel and hear in this show. TOMMY tells the story of Tommy Walker, who after witnessing a horrific event, becomes 'deaf, dumb and blind' but demonstrates an uncanny ability to play pinball. We watch as his family attempts to find ways to interact with him, the world attempts to find ways to exploit him, and he attempts to find a way to connect. When his senses are finally restored, he's hailed as a 'miracle' and winds up with people following him.

The show is based on the The Who's rock concept album of the same name, and examines issues surrounding the price one pays for fame, and our society's idolization of 'rock stars' whether they be in the form of music stars, sports players or pinball wizards.

When it first premiered in the early 90's the show was critically praised, and went on to win The Tony Award for Best Director, Best Choreography, Best Original Score, Best Scenic Design and Best Lighting Design. Toronto had its own production in 1995 featuring an all Canadian cast, and London saw a successful revival in 1997.

Twenty years later it's back at The Stratford Festival, with an enthusiastic and extraordinarily talented cast and some new design elements to update it for the twentieth century.

The cast is first-rate, featuring some of the brightest stars currently on stage in Canada. They sing and dance their hearts out, embracing the material and the opportunity to bring this show back to life for a new generation.

In the lead role of Tommy, Robert Markus (making his Stratford debut) is a slightly different Tommy than we've seen before, balancing innocence with a dark quality that enhances the soul of the character. His interactions with his younger incarnations are a particular delight to watch, and his vocal abilities are well matched to the role.

As his parents, Jeremy Kushnier and Kira Guloien both give heartfelt performances that make the audience feel for this grieving family struggling to find a way to help their son. At various points throughout the production they elevate the material through nuanced interactions with Tommy that tug at the emotional chords sometimes missed amidst all the glitz and fanfare.

Steve Ross is excellent in the difficult role of Uncle Ernie, humanizing a character with few redeeming qualities. He gets laughs even when he shouldn't, and by the end you can almost sympathize with his character as Tommy attempts to forgive him his indiscretions.

Then there's Paul Nolan, last seen as Jesus in Stratford's hit production of Jesus Christ Superstar. As Cousin Kevin Nolan is electric, blending the incredible vocal range we've come to expect from him with surprisingly impressive comedic ability and boundless energy. It's hard to take your eyes off him (and those red doc martens) whenever he's on the stage.

The entire supporting cast is equally impressive, with not a weak link to be found. They work together flawlessly and you can tell that their hearts are really behind the production.

The only thing lacking in this 'revamped' version of an old classic is the 'revamping' itself. Truth be told, I would have preferred to see more changes than what we got, and slightly less of the (at times) garish projections. While TOMMY was cutting edge twenty years ago, this new production ends up feeling slightly dated, and at times the projections become a distraction instead of a story telling apparatus.

That said, existing fans of the show will likely be delighted to see the production remain largely unchanged, and this version will undoubtedly convert many a member of the newest generation as well.

And if you like your musical theatre with a bit of hidden fun, keep your eyes peeled for director McAnuff's face which pops up in at least one of the projections. A TOMMY 'easter egg' of sorts, one can't help but wonder if this could be a new and clever spin on the theme of seeing, hearing, touching and feeling. Perhaps repeat viewings will encounter more hidden treasures - and even if they don't one thing remains certain - this TOMMY still rocks.

When and Where?

TOMMY at the Stratford Festival

The Avon Theatre

On Now Until October 19th, 2013

For full performance schedule and ticket information, visit the website at www.stratfordfestival.ca or call 1.800.567.1600.

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