BWW Reviews: Stray Dog Theatre's Thrilling Production of TOMMY

Pete Townshend and the Who's seminal rock opera classic Tommy comes to the stage of the Tower Grove Abbey courtesy of Stray Dog Theatre adorned in steam punk fashion and scenic design. It's an exhilarating show powered by solid performances, a tight band, and engaging direction that never lets the pace slow for a moment. This is one of the few evenings of theatre that left me feeling goosebumps up my spine as the cast took their bows. A definite must see experience!

For those who haven't heard the album(s) or seen Ken Russell's extravagantly surreal and misguided motion picture, Tommy tells the tale of a young boy who witnesses his father murder his mother's lover and at their behest stops hearing, seeing and speaking. Tortured and abused by his cousin Kevin and Uncle Ernie ("Fiddle About"), the one thing that saves this deaf, dumb and blind kid is his extraordinary skills at pinball. Eventually, he regains his senses and becomes a media sensation, but all he wants to be is just a normal young adult.

Antonio Rodriguez (along with Audrey Manalang, Tommy age 4, and Braden Phillips, age 10) do excellent work as Tommy. Rodriguez has a good vocal quality that suits the material, and the youngsters stay admirably in character throughout their appearances. Jeff Wright and Paula Stoff Dean are also very good as Captain and Mrs. Walker, respectively. Ryan Glosemeyer (Cousin Kevin) and Josh Douglas (Uncle Ernie) are especially slimy in their villainous roles.

The supporting cast does exceptional work led by: Kay Love (The Minister), C.E. Fifer, Lindsey Jones, Andrea Kimberling, Austin Pierce, Sarah Porter (Sally Simpson), and Anna Skidis (the Acid Queen).

The band also deserves mention for their stellar work and include: Chris Peterson (Music Director/keyboard), Sean Lanier (drums), Michael Monsey (bass), Adam Rugo (electric and acoustic guitar), and Sallie Du Maine Cole (synthesizer).

Justin Been and Gary Bell co-direct this sprawling production and, with much assistance from choreographer J.T. Ricroft, they've done a marvelous job putting all the pieces together in a compelling presentation. Been and James Volmert, Jr.'s scenic design and projections work in concert with Alexandra Scibetta Quigley's steam punk costumes to give this production a uniquely Victorian look that neatly fits the repressed atmosphere. Tyler Duenow supplies his usual expert lighting scheme.

Tommy is an event, and one well worth catching. It continues at the Tower Grove Abbey through October 22, 2011.

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