Community college offers pinball wizard ‘Tommy’

Kirk Baird

Friday, Nov. 3, 2000 | 10:26 a.m.

What: "The Who's Tommy"

When: 8 p.m. today, Saturday and Nov. 12-13; 2 p.m. Sunday and Nov. 14.

Where: Nicholas J. Horn Theatre at the Community College of Southern Nevada, 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave.

Cost: $12.50 adults; $10 seniors and students.

Information: 651-5483.

In 1969 Pete Townshend, creative force of the Who, wrote what is generally considered the first rock opera, "Tommy."

The story of "a deaf, dumb and blind kid who sure plays a mean pinball" helped give the band an artistic credibility, in terms of pushing the musical boundaries of rock 'n' roll, that rivaled the Beatles.

The two-record album proved popular with the public as well, producing the rock classics "I'm Free," "We're Not Gonna Take It" and the deservedly overplayed "Pinball Wizard."

There was a movie version, too, in 1975, directed by Ken Russell and featuring an all-star cast, including Who front man Roger Daltry as Tommy, for whom the part was written; Ann-Margret as his mother, Mrs. Walker; and Tina Turner as the Acid Queen.

Then "Tommy" died off, relegated to airplay on classic-rock radio stations and occasional midnight showings of the film. That is, until a nonprofit theater in La Jolla, Calif., breathed new life into the work via a staged musical in July of 1992.

The critically acclaimed production a year later made its way to Broadway, where it won five Tony Awards, including Best Original Score, and played 899 performances.

And with a reunited and re-energized Who making the tour circuit, now would seem to be as good a time as any for the epic to make its way to Las Vegas. "The Who's Tommy" opens today for a two-week run at the Nicholas J. Horn Theatre at the Community College of Southern Nevada's Cheyenne campus.

Philip Shelburne, the show's director, said he's not only a fan of the musical but the album as well.

"No. 1, I love the music so much," the 38-year-old Shelburne said. "To make this version of 'Tommy' is fun. It's a linear story setting of that concept album."

Set in England in the 1940s, the story concerns a 4-year-old boy, Tommy, who inadvertently witnesses the murder of his mother's lover by his father, who has just returned from war after being listed missing in action and presumed dead.

Afraid of what happened and how it could affect them, Tommy's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walker, tell the boy he didn't see or hear anything and to remain quiet about the incident.

Confused at what he's seen and heard, Tommy buries his feelings deep within, going deaf, dumb and blind in the process.

Unable to communicate with those around him, he grows up alone -- his only solace is pinball machines, which he excels at playing.

Meanwhile his family seeks various treatments for him -- particularly his mother, who harbors guilt over her son's tragedy.

If the plot seems a little melodramatic, there is enough energy and upbeat musical numbers to keep this above soap-opera fare.

Keith Dotson, 31, who plays the adult Tommy and the narrator, said those who are familiar with "Tommy" -- especially the movie -- might stay away because of the dark themes normally not associated with a musical.

However, he said, "They (the writers, Townshend and Des McAnuff) have lightened everything up just a touch so you're able to watch it and understand the storyline."

Which results in a high- energy production, said Satomi Hofmann, 28, who plays Mrs. Walker.

"I saw the movie as a kid and didn't really understand it. But I had a chance to see the musical on Broadway and was blown away," she said. "You walked in and that music started and it was like this wall of energy just blew through your body. You just sat there with your mouth open through the whole show."

And this production?

"That's what it's jelling into now," she said. "I'll tell you, the set is a bear. You don't notice it while watching (the production), but being a part of it, the set is a character."

It is difficult to miss the set, with two big-screen TVs, several large pinball machines and a huge canopy of televisions framing the stage.

The set was created by a touring production of "Tommy," which CCSN subsequently rented.

Shelburne, a 1980 graduate of Rancho High School, said he thought it would be easier having a ready-made set.

"In hindsight, it was much harder to do it this way," he said. "The set coming in brought in some creative limitations. I had to restage a good chunk in the show just to make it fit."

Set problems aside, and the fact he had to recast the role of Mr. Walker deep into production after his actor left, Shelburne seemed enthused about "Tommy."

"It's such a huge show, larger than your average show," he said. "It's pretty fun and if the set continues to work it'll be fun to see."