Monday, February 13, 2017

Theater Review: TOMMY The Musical

Levoy Theater, Millville, NJ Saturday February 11, 2017

TOMMY The Musical performed by The Off Broad Street Players was awesome! Professional, high level performance and orchestration that could rival any big time Broadway production. These amateur players ranging from school teachers and social workers and Med students to area grade school students performed with flawless execution. Holly Knapp, who portrayed Mrs. Walker, Tommy's mother was my favorite and a top notch singer and actor. As a fan of The Who for over 40 years, but never fully understanding Tommy, his story, I totally got lost in the plot and the journey of the deaf, dumb and blind kid. (who could still play a mean pinball)/

The dance numbers were choreographed well and brought forth the energy and flow of the production.  A

Brad Vile, who portrayed grown Tommy' who found his miracle after several years of psycho therapy and poking and prodding was also a high level performer,  He really brought Tommy' the character full circle from young boy to functioning adult ready to conquer his world. I thoroughly enjoyed the young student actors who portrayed young Tommy in Act I. It is often said in the performance arts that non verbal expressions are worth a thousand words. For me, the vulnerability of young Tommy's plight was evident through the concentration of their pose. A++

The musicians were fantastic and really brought my 45 year old Tommy album to new life! See Me, Feel Me' has long been my favorite from the vinyl and it was awesome seeing it come to life from the stage (and pit). A+

The Off Broad Street players have one more weekend of performances! PLEASE see this production. For Rock music fans, it will be a sure fire escape in a musical time machine. A+++


Much Thanks to Promoter Bob Rose and the awesome volunteer staff and technical/stage crew of The Levoy Theater! It is such a great theater, warm and friendly and not a bad seat in the house!