The Pinball Wizard

The State University of New York at New Paltz is pleased to present its production of The Who’s “Tommy” running from April 28 to May 8 at the McKenna Theater. This rock opera written by Pete Townsend and Des McAnuff will electrify audiences with The Who’s groundbreaking music and its captivating dramatic narrative.

Winner of five Tony awards, “Tommy” is the story a young boy’s journey from trauma to triumph and self-realization. After witnessing the murder of his mother’s lover by his father, Tommy is sent into a “deaf, dumb and blind” catatonic state. As he grows older, Tommy’s condition makes him particularly vulnerable to an abusive relative and to bullying neighbors.

But as an adolescent, his extraordinary ability for playing pinball is discovered and attracts widespread attention. When his mother finally breaks through his catatonia, he becomes an international pinball superstar.

“Tommy” is directed by Jack Wade, associate chair and associate professor in the Department of Theatre Arts. Musical director is Stephen Kitsakos, lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts. Costume designer is Brittany Merola, a senior
design/technology major and set designer is Ken Goldstein, assistant professor in the Department of Theatre Arts.

Tickets are $18 and $16. Please visit the Theatre Arts Web site for more information.