The Who’s Tommy: Musical Info & Synopsis


Synopsis:

The Who’s Tommy follows the titular character, Tommy Walker, a young boy who becomes Deaf, Blind, and non-verbal after witnessing a traumatic event. Despite his disabilities, Tommy displays an incredible talent for playing pinball, eventually gaining a cult-like following as a “Pinball Wizard.” As he grows older, Tommy’s journey to recovery and self-discovery unfolds. The Who’s Tommy explores the human spirit’s resilience and the quest for personal identity.


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Musical Information

Parental Warning: Adult Themes/Content

Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1992)

Cast Size: 14+

Genre: Drama

Setting: 1940s, 1950s, 1960s / England (London)


Creative Team

Music/Lyrics/Book: Pete Townshend

Book: Des McAnuff


Cast Albums

London Symphony Orchestra Cast (1972)➝

Original Broadway Cast (1993)➝


Resources

Audition Songs: Theatre Trip

Licensing: Music Theatre International➝

Sheet Music: Musicnotes➝


Tags

1990s, Avant-Garde, Child Role, Christmas, Dramatic, Family, Popular, Rock, Sung-Through, War


Similar Musicals

If you’re looking to discover new shows, here are some musicals like The Who’s Tommy.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch


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