Kalita Humphreys Theater

User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I saw Tommy last night (Sep 16) and all I can say is Don’t Miss This Show. This isn’t a stale remake or tribute act - this is fresh, immediate, and powerful.

So many things are done right – beginning with the music, rendered new and compelling by Oso Closo. Cedric Neal as the adult Tommy gives depth and spirit to what could have been stock anguish. The dancing is dazzling – especially “Pinball Wizard,” which pops off the stage and made me want to hit Replay (and I was in the back row!).

The dramatic use of water onstage gives a sense of stark isolation in the first half, and of shocking (literally) danger in the second. One beef – the words were hard to understand in places. This didn’t matter so much in the first part, where the story line was direct and easy to comprehend, but in the second half, the ending might have been less puzzling if I had understood the lyrics. Still, it all works and it’s theater magic. This is what opera/theater (take your pick) can be when the talent’s there and all the sparks are lit. It’s oso fabuloso.

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User Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

I have been to many plays and musicals at DTC. Tommy was absolutely the most disappointing show to date. I very much enjoy rock music, so I had no issue with the content or the volume of the performance. I don't even hold the cast to blame, but the casting director! The "mother" had a very thin voice that got lost in the music and was barely understandable most of the time. Most of the other singers were attempting to perform well outside of their vocal abilities including Gypsy, the father, and even "older" Tommy. I am hoping that this was a low-budget project and that the money saved will be spent on the remainder of the season. I would NOT recommend this show to anyone. Because I've seen so many great performances at DTC, both plays and musicals, I will continue to go back and hope for better things to come.

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User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

WOW! The show was amazing. The music was fantastic and the story was well told...easy to follow and heart felt. I have to admit I shed a tear or two. The band did such a great job and E. Faye Butler (the actress who played Ella) did so well at capturing the style of Ella as well as her vocals. Great job to everyone! I recommend this highly and would love to see it again!

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