5 Reasons Director Paul Pierce Wants You to See “The Who’s Tommy”

This month, the Springer Opera House is tackling a musical that spawned a genre of new work when it originally debuted in the ’70s. Artistic Director Paul Pierce said “The Who’s Tommy” is an unique show in theater. Wondering what all the hype is about? Here are five reasons to see the show:

What is your personal experience with the show, Paul?

In 1969, I knew “Pinball Wizard” and “I’m Free” as singles on the radio, but I hadn’t heard The Who’s entire concept album. But in the summer of 1970, I had an experience with Tommy that changed my life and set me on the course of choosing theater as a career. I signed on to be a counselor at an amazing Episcopal church camp in Toccoa, Ga. There was creative genius on that staff named Tom Collins who had produced a show based on the Tommy album. I would describe it as a choreographed light show. He had choreographed each scene and rigged a window fan strobe light, custom-made projection slides and the old Wesson oil and food color technique with an overhead projector. The old hippies will know what I’m talking about. Anyway, the show was very moving and it was the first time I had ever gotten the idea that rock music could be performed dramatically. And it planted a seed in my head that has grown and flourished over the years. Now, mind you, this was decades before Tommy was made into a Broadway musical, so I had about 20 years to let my stage vision of the show before I saw Broadway’s take on it. As soon as I saw it in New York, I knew I was going to produce it at the Springer. But I also knew I was going to stage it with my own spin on it.

What is the message you want readers to gain from this show?

Tommy is a story about a deaf, dumb and blind boy who converts his childhood trauma into an inspirational example for others to follow. Tommy’s message is essentially that we don’t have to be defined by our adversities – whether they be accidents of fate or even unhappiness. When Tommy sings, “I’m Free,” he makes it clear that we are all free to chart our own course in life and make a positive impact on the world.

How long have you been planning to bring this show to the Springer?

Since 1992 when I saw Pete Townshend’s adaptation on Broadway.

Highlights of the Springer’s production? Cast? Costumes? Musicians?

We have a tremendous cast led by an actor from Chicago named Chris Tipp in the title role. He’s a wonderful singer and also is an fine guitarist. Since the character Tommy is sort of alter ego of the Who’s great leader guitarist, Peter Townshend, it was always my vision for Tommy to be a guitarist and to work that into the show.

Anything else you’d like the audience to know before seeing the production?

“The Who’s Tommy” really had a huge impact on theater. Until that concept album came out in 1969, record albums were just a collection of various songs and there was never a real coherent theme. But Townshend felt like rock music had a much greater potential than that. With this album, The Who asked their fans to imagine characters, conflict and resolution – just like in a play or movie – except the movie was playing in our heads. What followed was Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s “Jesus Christ Superstar” and other rock concept albums after that Like Pink Floyd’s “The Wall,” Jethro Tull’s “Aqualung,” Rick Wakeman’s “Journey to the Center of the Earth” and a number of others. But without Tommy breaking ground, we would not have shows like “Phantom of the Opera,” “Les Miserables,” “Evita,” “Rent” or “Sweeney Todd.” The full power of The Who’s magnificent talent is bursting out of this production. I can’t wait to get the band together in rehearsal. All The Who fans should know that I’m one of them and I’m going to take care that this legendary show rocks the house.

This story was originally published March 25, 2016 at 11:24 AM with the headline "5 Reasons Director Paul Pierce Wants You to See “The Who’s Tommy”."