From: Tim Cox <***@***.***>
Date: Tue, 29 Feb 2000 00:02:40 EST
Subject: The Who's Tommy
To: mspt@goldfishpublishers.com
Hi,
I had the pleasure of listening to the music of Pete Townshend
twice while The Who's Tommy
was here. Seeing it, however was very painful. I must tell you
that your review of the original rock musical was all too kind!
While the music remains to be one of the best ever written, the
singing was great for most characters. Some took huge vocal risks
with a score that does just fine on it's own. I must say Matt
Zarley was not disappointing. He just had no business being up
on that stage. At one point in the show, he was not even singing
the correct notes. Another problem with the show is the staging.
Tommy is supposed to see the murder through the mirror. Since
he didn't, it makes the whole "mirror thing" irrelevant.
Last but not least, during Tommy's show (Pinball Wizard - reprise),
Tommy is supposed to have a helmet that covers his ears, eyes
and mouth. Missing that, cancels out the whole reprise of Pinball
Wizard and Uncle Ernie sales of "shades and earplugs."
My rating: 1 and 1/2 stars (giving 5 stars to Mr. Townshend).
Final words: It was a Broadway factory 2nd.
Thanks for reading my rant.
Tim Cox