SJU Theater Company performs “The Who’s Tommy”

British rock band The Who released their fourth studio album in 1969, a record that proved to be different from the group’s previous works, and a far cry from most of the content being released at the time – that is, in terms of structure. While The Who adopted the psychedelic rock sound that was popular and acclaimed in that era, lead guitarist and songwriter, Pete Townshend, wrote the album’s songs to explain the incredible life of a boy who was “deaf, dumb and blind.”

The album proved to be a massive success, and resulted in an Academy Award-nominated film adaptation, several reprintings, a Grammy Hall of Fame Award, and a Tony Award-winning theatrical production.

That album was “Tommy,” and 48 years after its initial release, SJU Theater Company is bringing the classic rock opera to life on the Bluett Theatre stage. The production is directed by Renee Dobson, associate professor in the department of musical theater.

Most of the show’s cast was excited upon hearing what the spring musical would be.

“Rock ‘n’ roll is a huge part of my music taste and what I grew up on,” said Megan Hennessy, ’18. “I thought that it was going to be such a different experience from ‘Carousel’ and from other shows I’ve been a part of at Saint Joseph’s. I wanted to be able to experience it.”

Tom Smith, ’18, had  listened to the concept album before auditioning in December.

“My music director in high school really wanted to do the show, but we never got to,” Smith said. “So it’s really cool that I’m doing it now.”

Others, however, were not too familiar with the material.

“I had never heard of ‘Tommy,’” Alex Velasquez, ’20, said. “I only heard of “Pinball Wizard” [the show’s signature song] when I auditioned. I came into it 100 percent blind, so to speak.”

“The Who’s Tommy,” as it is known in its theatrical form, is the story of Tommy Walker, a British boy who becomes traumatized upon witnessing his father kill his mother’s lover. Told by his frantic mother and father that he didn’t see or hear anything, Tommy becomes deaf, dumb, and blind for most of his life. The result is an epic journey of extravagant events and colorful characters, all of whom Tommy encounters as he grows older.

One of those colorful characters is the Acid Queen, played by Amanda Strydio, ’19. Strydio, previously seen as Nettie Fowler in the fall production of “Carousel,” discussed the challenges of portraying a flamboyant drug dealer and prostitute.

“I have a role that is so outrageous that I have to be very secure with myself while doing it,” Strydio said. “It’s literally Tina Turner,” she added,  referring to the fact that R&B performer Turner played the role in the 1975 film adaptation.

The heart of “Tommy” comes courtesy of the production’s ensemble, a 12-person team of actors, singers, and dancers who breathe life into the show, with three of them being Hennessy, Smith, and Velasquez.

Due to the continuous, operatic nature of “Tommy,” the ensemble certainly has their work cut out for them. Hennessy, a veteran of SJU Theater Company, points out that being in the background doesn’t mean insignificance.

“Although you’re not necessarily a principle role, you can still find bits of character in what you’re doing within your role as an ensemble performer,” Hennessy said. “That makes your characters as human as possible.”

As a result of their various roles, the ensemble members have a copious amount of costume changes throughout the course of the show, with Smith himself having eight changes.

“You learn to develop a range,” Smith said. “There’s one point where I play a British officer, then a minute later I’m a German officer.”

This is Velasquez’s second musical after “Carousel,” and he says that rehearsing the show is a difficult but rewarding process.

“This has been the least amount of time I’ve had to rehearse a show,” Velasquez said. “You have to be present and be ready at every rehearsal. The name of the game is being fast and focused.”

The continuous music will also be a challenge for the show’s technical crew.

“The music does not stop, so we have to constantly be on guard,” said Michael Rizzo, ’17, one of the deck managers. “Instead of a line cue, which we’re used to, it’s usually a sound cue, so we have to be very diligent and aware at all times.”

Additionally, Rizzo notes that the most intricate piece in the production is the Mirror, the subject of several songs and a source of most of the show’s conflict.

“The Mirror is our biggest piece; it’s also one of the most expensive pieces in the show,” Rizzo said. “So we have to be incredibly careful about moving it as diligently and quickly as possible.”

In a more bittersweet vein, the show will be the last collegiate musical for six senior members of the cast, including Hannah Hicks, ’17, also the production’s dance captain. “Tommy” will be Hicks’ seventh and last show with the company, and she thinks that the production gives a great opportunity for the seniors to go out on a high note.

“I hope that everyone sees the amazing opportunity they are given to perform, and really deliver the best possible show for every audience,” Hicks said.

Above all, according to the cast, “Tommy” is meant to be a great time for theater-goers.

“People should come and see “Tommy” because it’s not supposed to make sense,” Velasquez said. “It’s supposed to be fun, and it’s a great way to forget about everything and just focus on the music and entertainment of it all.”

“The Who’s Tommy” will be presented in Bluett Theatre on Feb. 22, 23, 24, and 25 at 8 p.m., and on the 26th at 2 p.m.