THE WHO'S TOMMY to Rock Point Park's Conservatory Theatre Company Season

Point Park University's Conservatory Theatre Company will open the 2016-2017 season with the Tony Award winning musical, The Who's Tommy. Based on one of the most iconic rock albums of all time, it is the inspiring story of a deaf, dumb, blind, pinball-playing kid who overcomes long odds to triumph.

Directed by Zeva Barzell, The Who's Tommy runs October 21-30 in the Rockwell Theatre at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, 222 Craft Ave. Performances will be at 8 p.m., Thursdays through Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Adult tickets are $20-24, students and seniors are $10 and can be purchased by calling the Pittsburgh Playhouse box office at 412-392-8000 or visiting www.pittsburghplayhouse.com.

Based on the album by Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff, with music and lyrics by Pete Townshend, The Who's Tommy is a musical, visual masterpiece and a rock opera at its finest. After seeing his mother's lover murdered by his father, Tommy becomes catatonic. Suffering abuse as a kid, Tommy discovers the arcade game as a teen and becomes an international superstar.

"Tommy's journey to healing, with its struggles, victories, and awakenings is similar to the 'every man and woman' as he looks to find a higher level of spiritual awareness and salvation." Said Barzell. "Working with 31 talented and insightful cast members has been deeply moving as they not only discover their character's journey, but their own journey in the creative process. It has been a privilege to be a part of that."

The Conservatory Theatre Company production features musical direction by Camille Rolla, choreography by Zeva Barzell, scenic design by Britton Mauk, costumes by Cathleen Crocker-Perry, lighting by Andrew David Ostrowski, and sound by Aaron Vockley.

Zeva Barzell holds a B.F.A. from Ithaca College and an M.F.A from the University of Illinois Urbana -Champaign. She has also trained in London, England and New York City where she resided for many years. Professional acting credits include Off Broadway, Regional Theater, Summer Stock, Dinner Theater, Daytime Television, Industrials and National Voice-over work. She has also directed and choreographed nationally. Ms. Barzell now resides in Pittsburgh and is Head of Musical theatre at Point Park University.