'The Who's Tommy' opens at Goodman Theatre with extended run

Chicago’s must-see summer musical The Who’s Tommy, has been reimagined for a new audience 30 years after the original production opened on Broadway. The official opening at the Goodman Theatre on June 26 was packed for this iconic 1969 rock opera that tells the story of Tommy Walker, a young boy who becomes deaf, dumb, and blind after witnessing a traumatic event. Despite his disabilities, Tommy discovers a remarkable talent for playing pinball and becomes a worldwide sensation.

From the first scene, with a young Tommy seemingly dangling in space, to the heart-thumping finale, the production is a roller coaster of sight, sound, images and, of course, the music. At the heart of the production are the songs that we grew up with penned by Peter Townshend – “I’m Free,” “See Me/Feel Me” and the grand finale song, “Pinball Wizard.”

A cast of 29 and a nine-piece band performs these classic songs in exciting new staging. In the title role of Tommy Walker is Ali Louis Bourzgui (Layalina, The Band’s Visit national tour), with Adam Jacobs (Aladdin, Les Misérables and The Lion King on Broadway) as his father, Captain Walker and Alison Luff (Escape to Margaritaville, Waitress and Matilda on Broadway) as his mother, Mrs. Walker. Joining them are John Ambrosino (Les Misérables on Broadway) as Uncle Ernie; Bobby Conte (Company, A Bronx Tale The Musical on Broadway) as Cousin Kevin; and Christina Sajous (SpongeBob SquarePants and Holler If Ya Hear Me on Broadway) as the Acid Queen. All are spectacular performers who not only have fabulous voices but also outstanding physicality.

Opening night included a pop-up pinball arcade that will stay in place for the run of the show. Audiences can play an original Tommy pinball machine and take their shot at becoming “The Pinball Wizard.” The highest score at the end of the run will win a custom Tommy fender Stratocaster—signed by Pete Townshend of The Who! The arcade is open 90 minutes pre-show on most dates, closed during intermission, and open for 60 minutes post-show. Rules of engagement: play is free but limited to one game per person. Competing gamers who beat the high score should capture a selfie that includes their score and the date in the picture and email it to Pinball@GoodmanTheatre.org.

At the end of the show, as the audience was showering the cast with applause, Des McAnuff (Tony Award-winning director and book co-writer) read a note from Pete Townshend who was scheduled to attend but couldn’t make it do to a canceled flight and Covid (his wife became ill). The note read: “Hello Chicago! A city full of friends for me and The Who. I so wish I was there. Tommy has been a trip for me from the beginning back when I first started writing songs for it. Then, working with Des to bring the piece to the stage in La Jolla and then to Broadway. It was truly an Amazing Journey. I am stunned and overwhelmed that the journey continues. Thank you for being a part of it tonight, and to all of you I send love and a hope that you travel safely in life.”

The production was a whirlwind of dramatic sights, sounds and music wrapped around a great, and enduring story. Highly recommended.

The creative team includes choreography by Lorin Latarro (Into the Woods, Mrs. Doubtfire and Waitress on Broadway); music supervision and additional arrangements by Ron Melrose (Jersey Boys on Broadway, London and national tour); set design by David Korins (Hamilton, Beetlejuice, Here Lies Love on Broadway); costume design by Sarafina Bush (for colored girls..., Pass Over on Broadway); lighting design by Amanda Zieve (Broadway associate on Escape to Margaritaville and Allegiance); sound design by Gareth Owen (Back to the Future, & Juliet and MJ The Musical on Broadway); and projection design by Peter Nigrini (MJ: The Musical and Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway).

The extension week schedule of performances appears below. The Who’s Tommy appears at Goodman Theatre now – August 6 in the 856-seat Albert Theatre; for tickets ($30 - $185, subject to change) call 312.443.3800, visit GoodmanTheatre.org/Tommy or purchase in-person at the Goodman Box Office at 170 N. Dearborn (12 noon – 5pm).

EXTENSION WEEK PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

 Tuesday, August 1 at 7:30pm

Wednesday, August 2 at 7:30pm

Thursday, August 3 at 2pm and 7:30pm

Friday, August 4 at 8pm

Saturday, August 5 at 2pm and 8pm

Sunday, August 6 at 2pm

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