Music & Lyrics by Pete Townshend Book by Pete Townshend & Des McAnuff Additional Music & Lyrics by John Entwistle & Keith Moon Originally produced on Broadway by The Pace Theatrical Group and Dodger Productions With Kardana Productions, Inc.

Photo Gallery from Tommy

The Ferndale Repertory Theatre proudly presents the Northcoast premiere of the hit rock opera, The Who's Tommy. Written and composed by Pete Townshend, one of the most influential songwriters of the past 30 years, The Who's Tommy was adapted for the stage by Townshend and the Tony award-winning director, Des McAnuff. Preview is Thursday, July 26th; all tickets are $5. Gala opening is Friday, July 27th and is followed by a Champaign reception at the theatre. Performances continue every Friday and Saturday evening through August 24th with matinees on Sunday, August 5th, 12th & 19th and Saturday, August 25th (a matinee only; no evening performance). All tickets are $15. There will be an Actor's Benefit Night on Thursday, August 23rd; all proceeds from this performance go to the actors and crew for their dedication and hard work on this production.

In 1969, Pete Townshend, lead guitarist and songwriter for The Who, excited the musical world with his development of Tommy, a double-album "rock opera" which brilliantly demonstrated that rock music had the power to tell a thrilling story. In the 1970s, Ann Margaret scored an Oscar nomination for her role in the movie, and in the early 1990s, Townshend brought his show to the stage in a fully-realized Broadway musical where it became a smash hit. The results are electric. Beginning in WWII, the youngster Tommy, who has never met his father believed killed in the war, is traumatized when he witnesses a shocking killing in his home. To escape, he retreats into a world of deafness, dumbness, and blindness where no one can reach him. Yet, as he ages, he develops an extraordinary ability to play pinball better than it has ever been played. But his fame as Pinball Wizard does not aid him in his recovery when he is turned into an unwilling hero who must live up to the demands of his followers. Tommy is ultimately about the healing power of family, forgiveness, and love. This is a show that thrills audiences of all ages, even those who generally forego rock 'n' roll.

For tickets and information, please call the Ferndale Rep Theatre box office at (707) 786-5483. Come see what all the fuss is about!

PRODUCTION Director: Joe Collins Music Director: SeanWoodburn Vocal Director: Carol Howe-Conners Choreography: Denise Ryles Set Design: Bill Cody Light Design: Dan Mullins Costume Design: Vikki Young & Carolyn Jones Sound Design: Alphonse Caya, Rebecca Caya Projections: Jeff Moot Stage Manager: Lindsey Gabel THE BAND Keyboards: Tim Randles, Justin Ross, Rick Nelson Drums/Percussion: Luiz Martinez French Horn: Margot Gallant Guitar: Jason Janah, Deric Mendes Bass: Sean Woodburn BACKSTAGE OPERATIONS From top to bottom, left to right: Norma Lynch, Chris Allen Miria Tyson, Sarah Arana, Charles Bowens Katherine Bruck, Lindsey Gabel, Nadine Yates

CAST (In Order of Appearance) Captain Walker: Albert Martinez Mrs. Walker: Jade Wood Uncle Ernie: Tom Vert Nurses: Carol Martinez, Lori Knowles, Denise Ryles, Sharon Mitchell, Page Ludtke 1st Officer: Greg Conners 2nd Officer: Michael Schwartz Mrs. Walker’s Lover: Michael Schwartz Tommy (4 Yrs. Old): Michael Martinez Tommy/Narrator: Ray McGrath Judge: Greg Conners The Barristers: Jeremy Cotton, Michael Schwartz, Anne Asher Doctor: Pryncz Lotoj Tommy (10 Yrs. Old): David Martinez The Minister: Pryncz Lotoj The Minister’s Wife: Denise Ryles Cousin Kevin: Jeremy Cotton Hawker: Pryncz Lotoj Harmonica Player: Carol Howe-Conners Acid Queen/Gypsy: Anna Lopez Newspaper Reporters: Carol Howe-Conners, Carol Martinez, Estelle Haynes, Lori Knowles, Anna Lopez Lads & Lasses: Estelle Haynes, Rosalia Panofsky,Anne Asher, Carol Howe-Conners, Greg Conners, Lori Knowles, Sharon Mitchell, Page Ludtke, Michael Schwartz, Felice Becker, Anna Lopez, Princz Lotoj, Genesis Coleman, Rachel Fuentes, Trieste Monroe, Denise Ryles, Carolyn Yawn, Emily Martinez, Amanda Mangurten Mr. Simpson: Greg Conners Mrs. Simpson: Carol Howe-Conners Sally Simpson: Carolyn Yawn

A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR

I grew up with The Who and I was familiar with the story of Tommy in an abstract way because of the original album in '69. There was always something about it that seemed unfinished. About four years ago a friend turned me on to the Broadway soundtrack. It took me by surprise. The orchestrations were somehow elegant. It was rock and roll, but it was not what one would usually expect of rock and roll. I was intrigued. I was further intrigued by Tommy's story. His journey. For this incarnation Pete Townshend changed a handful of lyrics, a plot element, and added a song to plug up some holes in the original story. And I suspect to flesh the roles of the parents a bit better. Mostly, I was attracted to the emotional impact of the story. Ultimately the story is about hope, faith, perception, and redemption. Along the way, however, Tommy's journey allows us to see ourselves a bit more clearly through the exquisite pain/pleasure of being human.

I'd like to especially thank my musical director Sean Woodburn and my vocal director Carol Howe-Conners. Without their professionalism, dedication and formidable talent, this production would not have been possible.

Joe Collins/Director

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Tommy & The Acid Queen

Tommy Cast - Christmas

Tommy Cast - Sensation

Mrs. Walker & The Lover

The Hawker

Tommy in the Mirror

Cousin Kevin

Mr. & Mrs. Walker

The Specialist

Tommy at age 10

Tommy at age 4

The Nurses

The Walkers

Uncle Ernie

The Walkers

The Walkers

Trio

SPECIAL THANKS

Aesthetic Design & Photography Art & Old Things California Conservation Corps Vicki Charlton Club West Gene Cole College of the Redwoods Community Theatre Program DeMarcus Conley The Costume Box Dave’s Saddle & Tack Davis Musical Theatre Ferndale Book Store Ferndale Community Center Gary Holder Megan Houpt Steve & Jan Issacson Carolyn Jones Daniel L. Lawrence

Lots for Tots Dorothy Lancaster Miles Mackey Emily & David Martinez Jack Mays Paul Mellon Mission Linen Optic Center Matt Price Courtney Roberts Robin Robin St. Josephs Health Care System Swanlunds Camera and Video Take One Studios Frank Taubitz Village Baking & Catering Woodburn Musical Instruments Vikki Young and the cast of Tommy Jaybee Dee Productions- John Bryan Davis and David Milroy

Ferndale Repertory Theatre
Post Office Box 892 • 447 Main Street • Ferndale, CA 95536-0096

Tickets: (707) 786-5483 • Fax: (707) 786-5480 • Email: info@ferndale-rep.org

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