The Tony-Award winning Tommy, Pete Townshend’s tale of a young a “deaf, dumb, and blind boy” and his journey from pain to triumph, is widely regarded as the first full-length rock opera.  It was originally the fourth album of the English rock band The Who (released in 1969), and in 1975 was made into a movie. Now it’s also an ambitious local production with performances being held at Anchorage’s Mad Myrna’s every Friday and Saturday through May 14.

We at Bent Alaska are late in announcing this show: it started it’s run last weekend.  But never fear, the run has several weeks yet to go. Mad Myrna’s reports enthusiastic reviews from audience members of the early shows:

Opening weekend feedback was incredible – “the best locally produced theatre I’ve ever seen” said one well known theatre goer (He said it – We know there’s lots of good theatre in town so don’t take offense!); “so much better than I could have imagined!” – said another. “The Who’s music is so hard – and you guys NAILED IT.”

Tommy is a local production, produced by Theatre Artists United, Mad Myrna’s and Midnight Sunflower Productions, with Jess Jacob as director, musical direction by Steven Alvarez, and choreography by Leslie Ward. The rehearsal accompanist was Rod Masters. Cast members include: Gabriel Alvarez, Jennifer Alvarez, Becca Anderson, Jessy Bowman, Jodi Hughes Clark, Ali DeGuzman, Van Horn Ely, Sam Fischback, John Fraser, Leo Grinberg, Charlotte Kopp, D’Artagnan Moonin, Joey Murphy, N’kia, Jamie Pawley, Jamie Rich, Sunday Stinson, Henry Weaver, Dean Williams, Kelly Lee Williams I, Kelly Lee Williams II, Kelly Wilson. The performers are backed by a 7-member live rock band.

• Date/time:: Friday, April 22, 2011 through Saturday, May 14, 2011
  Fridays at 7:00 PM
  Saturdays at 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM
• Location: Mad Myrna’s, 530 East 5th Ave., Anchorage (see map)
• Cost of admission: $25.00. Tickets on sale now at 263-ARTS, at Centertix.net, and at the door. On the day of the show, CenterTix sales end at 3:00 PM. Will Call and any remaining tickets for sale will be available at Mad Myrna’s one hour before curtain.
• Mature content: Abuse, Some Language, Rock and Roll. Must be 21 or older with valid ID to enter.
• Further info: See the Facebook event page or events pages at AnchorageNightOut.com, or CenterTix.

Keep track of this and other events in LGBTQ Alaska at Bent Alaska’s new & improved events calendar.