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The Who's Tommy - In Concert
Presented by: Geelong Musical Comedy
Company
Venue: Ford Theatre, Geelong
Reviewer: Glenn Ritchie
Date Reviewed: 11th January, 2008
GMCC presents
The Who’s full scale rock opera of Tommy. The album
released to the world in 1969,
and
was the first musical work explicitly billed as a rock opera.
Tommy
tells the tale of a boy that witnesses his father’s death through a
mirror; he becomes
psychosomatically, deaf , dumb & blind. The only things the boy can
do is stare into the mirror or play pinball. Through frustration,
his mother breaks the mirror and Tommy is suddenly cured. He becomes
a cult leader because of his miracle cure and his pinball wizardry.
However, is all the fame too much?
Staging any type of musical in a short period of time is always
going to be demanding and GMCC have done an exceptional job pulling
this production together. Walking into the auditorium, I couldn’t
help but feel I was in the Melbourne Arts Centre about to watch
another Production Company musical – I wasn’t disappointed. The set
was simple, however, clever and perfect for what was to come.
Scott Ponsford taking on the roles of both Director and
Choreographer paid off. This allowed Scott full control to paint a
wonderful picture with his colourful interpretation. Extremely well
staged & clever use of ensemble was simple, however effective –
watch out for the mirror balls!
Musical Director Annie Bourke had my feet taping all night. As soon
as the first note was struck, the audience were captivated. Annie
kept the music pumping and gave The Who all the respect they
deserved.
Overall, the Technical production of this show was outstanding.
Sally Smith – costumes, had her work cut out and she came through
with the goods. The principle players looking spot on for the
characters they were portraying & the ensemble; perfect for Scott’s
artistic interpretations.
Lighting designer, James Holt, never fails to deliver. Obviously,
James has put tireless hours into programming & plotting, making
this a rock event that any top-billing band would be happy of!
Unfortunately, how many times have you hit the foyer at interval to
hear people complaining about the sound? At first I though the band
was too loud, however, this was a rock opera I came to see. The
audience struggled to hear the cast whilst singing. Lucky I had read
the synopsis, as I missed most dialogue at the start. At times the
audience wouldn’t have known that a cast of powerhouse vocalists
existed!
You could here the oohs & aahs when Cooper Stevens, playing
4-year-old Tommy, hit the stage. Callum Robertson played 10-year-old
Tommy; Callum displayed maturity beyond his years.
Nathan Gili’s interpretation of the title role of Tommy reminded me
of Pippin; his portrayal was one of innocence and I liked it. Nathan
has a wonderful voice, with those tonal qualities we love in typical
Musical Theatre. Physically, I thought he was wonderful, however, I
kept waiting for more rock in Tommy’s vocal performance.
Dustin Leonard as Walker and the beautiful Samantha Symons as Mrs
Walker; were well suited to the roles. Both were vocally very
strong. The characters portrayed a natural frustration, yet showing
tenderness toward a son that gave nothing in return.
Nick Oliveiro played the Nasty Cousin Kevin. Nick’s interpretation
was physically spot on, however, vocally could have been a little
nastier. Joe Serra as the molesting Uncle Ernie was captivating.
Scott’s direction to Uncle Kevin was clever, yet tastefully
haunting. Joe’s comic timing & ability to communicate with the
audience had me in tears.
I
was thrown back in my chair when the The Hawker came on stage in one
of my favourite scenes, ‘Eyesight to the blind’. Portrayed by
Bradley D Luke, vocally a sensation & physical being – outstanding.
Bradley is “The Hawker”!
Oh my goodness; Narelle Bonnici as the Acid Queen – ‘Gypsy’. Another
‘Sit Down Your Rocking The Boat’ number – she does nothing up to
this point and then comes on a steals the show! Trust me, she ain’t
no Angel! What a vocal powerhouse and an on-stage presence that
shows off Narelle’s years of experience.
Other cast to make mention of worthy performances are James
Robertson as the Lover/Specialist and Elise Yogrin as Sally Simpson.
It was obvious that the ensemble was having a great time and this
excitement flowed through to the audience. I felt that perhaps the
Ensemble could have been allowed to vocally let go a little more; it
is a rock opera after all (lose the musical/theatre sound a
little!).
Over all GMCC’s production of Tommy was enjoyable and
entertaining. I laughed; I frowned, I sang (in the car – on the way
home!), and wished I were up there with them all. This wonderfully
directed rock adventure is one worth taking the drive to Geelong. I
guarantee you will be singing ‘Pin Ball Wizard’ and the lyrics “See
me, feel me, touch me, heal me” all the way home!
Glenn has been around Musical Theatre in & out of Melbourne for
years. Glenn has performed in many productions throughout the years;
Chess, Oliver, Baby, Brigadoon, The Bakers Wife, Les Miserables,
Chicago, Guys & Dolls, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The
Forum, 42nd Street & Blood Brothers to name a few.
Glenn’s vocal talents have landed him many corporate & television
appearances.
Glenn also has a technical history, having worked professionally in
Stage Management, Production Management, Set Design & construction,
as Head Mechanist, Automation, and Pyrotechnics etc. Worthy
productions to make mention are, Disney’s BEAUTY & THE BEAST, Walt
Disney Special Events, Sydney 2000 Olympic opening & closing
ceremonies, Buddy Holy Story, Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games
opening & closing ceremonies, Asia Games 2006 – Doha Qatar opening &
closing ceremonies.
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